Look for formal or informal mentorship opportunities, through your work organisation, your professional body or regional networks. These do exist and can be a game changer for 1:1 training and individual support in your research journey. There is also now the option of mentorship online, removing any previous geographical boundaries, enabling communication across the country or even internationally.
Health & Social Care Research Across North East & North Cumbria.
Helen's Research Story
Helen's Research Story
Helen Watts says...
"Through my research I absolutely loved exploring a topic I was passionate about and getting the opportunity to consider other perspectives and experiences than my own."
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I had always had a strong interest in research and evidence based practice throughout my post-graduate training to become a reporting radiographer. In 2020 I set out to complete the final year of my Advanced Practice MSc, and as part of this I chose to focus my dissertation project on ‘Evidence based practice, research and the diagnostic radiographer role. An exploration of engagement, expectations and attitudes.’ I was really lucky in that I was paired with an experienced and inspirational radiography professor as my supervisor for this… and she became a mentor for life! This was really the start of an amazing journey for me.
Through my research I absolutely loved exploring a topic I was passionate about and getting the opportunity to consider other perspectives and experiences than my own. I went on to publish my dissertation, and again this isn’t something I could have done easily without the support of my mentor.
I have since published further work and been invited to take part in research studies and funding bids based on my areas of interest and background experience. I have been a peer reviewer for an international radiography journal since 2021 and find that this not only opens my mind to research ideas, but also helps me learn from a methodology perspective. I have previously engaged with the regional Research Design Service (RDS) to talk through research ideas and learn how to practically take these forward - I would highly recommend. I also think reaching out to your trust library service is vital - they are an absolute font of knowledge and support. I regularly request journal articles I can’t access and they have them returned to me in the day! I’m also lucky that in my trust we have a Research and Best Practice council, where there is encouragement for research engagement and support from experienced researchers.
In 2023 I applied for and gained a place on the College of Radiographers 12-month Formal Radiography Research Mentoring (FoRRM) programme where I have been working on my research skills and confidence. As part of this I have been working towards preparing a PhD proposal to apply to a university and bid for funding; my area of interest is radiography workforce development.
Helen Watts's top 3 tips
1 - Look for mentorship opportunities
Consider becoming a peer reviewer for a reputable journal. This is such a good opportunity to raise your awareness of ongoing research and to broaden your understanding and knowledge base. A lot of publishers/ journals provide training or a buddy system when you first start, and you are able to define your areas of expertise and to reject any paper you would not feel comfortable to review.
Research is not for lone rangers! Successful research requires a team approach and a support system. Look around you for what network you have around you and what else is available to you. Consider how you could further this- could you set up a journal club or a research support network to bring together like minded people? Also, think about how social media can be used to professionally network and gain research support.
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