Protected research time awarded to aspiring research leaders in Wales

Four aspiring research leaders in Wales have been awarded protected research time by Health and Care Research Wales.

The funding comes from the 2021 round of the NHS Research Time Awards and has a total lifetime value of £356,789.

The NHS Research Time Award scheme is open to staff in NHS Wales, or staff contracted to NHS Wales (such as doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, allied health professionals and clinical scientists) in primary, secondary or community care or public health.

It aims to build research capacity and capability in the NHS by offering staff the opportunity to apply for protected time to engage in research activity.

Michael Bowdery, Head of Programmes, Health and Care Research Wales, said:

“The funding panel was impressed with the applicants’ passion and interest in developing their research skills.

“These awards, which provide protected research time, aim to help develop the next generation of principal investigators and chief investigators who can lead high-quality research studies not only here in Wales but also at a UK and international level.”

The recipients of the 2021 round of the NHS Research Time Awards are:

Dr Lucy Jones, Associate Specialist in sexual health and infectious disease

• Area of research interest: Differential immune responses to COVID/COVID vaccines in adults and children/young people
• Institution: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
• Cost: £83,322

Dr Alan Woodall, Clinical Lead in integrated mental health

• Area of research interest: Public mental health and polypharmacy optimisation for patients with serious mental illness
• Institution: Powys Teaching Health Board
• Cost: £86,769

Dr Peter Cnudde, Consultant trauma & orthopaedics

• Area of research interest: Development of a technology-enabled pathway for arthroplasty patients
• Institution: Hywel Dda University Health Board
• Cost: £90,231

Dr Sarah Bell, Consultant Obstetric Anaesthetist

• Area of research interest: Post-partum haemorrhage, obstetric sepsis, obstetric critical care
• Institution: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
• Cost: £96,467

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