First dietitians selected for NIHR Senior Research Leadership Programme
The BDA is delighted to see the first dietitians selected by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) for the Senior Research Leader Programme.
The scheme supports senior healthcare professionals in England to develop as research leaders, in turn improving research capacity and capability in their organisations. Funding is provided for two protected research days a week over a three year period.
Originally a programme for nurses and midwifes only, this is the first year that selection has been extended to also include allied health professionals (AHPs).
Dr. Andrew Morris, Professional and Clinical Lead Dietitian at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, is one of the dietitians awarded.
Andrew said, "I'm delighted to have been awarded an NIHR Senior Research Leader place. It's about research leadership - enabling more dietitians/AHPs, nurses and midwives in our Trust to build research skills, contribute to studies and develop clinical academic careers.
"It will also strengthen the national profile for dietetics and AHP-led research through collaboration with other awardees in the UK. My own research focuses on how diet can support people with chronic kidney disease to manage serum potassium levels and I'm excited to expand this programme to improve outcomes and everyday life for people living with chronic kidney disease."
The BDA is pleased that dietitians are now eligible for the programme and that members are being supported to advance the dietetic profession through research.
Dr. Yvonne Jeanes, Head of Research and Impact at the BDA, commented, "It's fantastic to see the eligibility of this scheme opened up to include dietitians and for dietetic research leadership moving forward with greater visibility.
"Research is essential to demonstrate the value and positive impact of dietetic workforce interventions for individuals, populations and healthcare services."
Applications are currently open for the NIHR Developing Research Leader Programme. The scheme is aimed at nurses, midwives and AHPs, who would like to build on their research leadership skills and embed the practice at work.
Funding is provided to enable protected research leadership time and participants of the programme also have access to mentorship and support. BDA members Hannah Baker, Irem Deniz and Michelle Gibbs are currently participating in this programme.
For more information on eligibility criteria and to apply, please visit the NIHR website. Deadlines for applications is 21 April.
Are you a BDA member who also received funding via the Senior Research Leadership Programme? If so, we'd love to hear from you! Please contact us at [email protected].
