NHS Lothian Charity supports first research ‘gateway’ awards for healthcare professionals in Scotland

NHS Lothian has today (25 July 2022) launched the Lothian Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards to help healthcare professionals progress their research careers.

Funded by NHS Lothian Charity, the five new awards offer research opportunities to nurses, midwives, allied health professionals, pharmacy professionals, psychologists and healthcare scientists employed by NHS Lothian.

Dr Juliet MacArthur, Chief Nurse for Research and Development in NHS Lothian, who initiated the awards said:

“Lothian is known for our international research reputation and our aim is to embed research skills and knowledge across NHS Lothian.

“These awards are the first of their kind in Scotland and, with these, we want to provide a range of opportunities for our staff to pursue research and give them the necessary support to do so.

“Research is undoubtedly the answer to some of the questions the NHS faces. We want to enable our staff to undertake high quality research which will address patient needs and experiences.

“Investing in our staff to gain new skills that will help both them and the services they deliver for years to come is an important part of these innovative new awards.”

Working with six partner universities – including the University of Stirling, The University of Edinburgh, Queen Margaret University, University of Strathclyde, Robert Gordon University and Edinburgh Napier University – these awards will increase collaboration and encourage further research that can lead to improved treatments and better care in the health sector.

The innovative five-year programme, with £250,000 worth of funding provided by NHS Lothian Charity, will create opportunities for professionals each year across a diverse range of departments and disciplines at various stages of their careers.

Jane Ferguson, Director of NHS Lothian Charity, said:

“Improving healthcare experiences and health outcomes is a key priority for us, and driving ongoing innovation and excellence in healthcare is a fundamental part of this.

“In addition to delivering research projects that will improve physical and mental health and wellbeing, as well as pioneer new treatments and ways of care across NHS Lothian, these awards also support our colleagues to broaden their experience and develop new skills.

“Healthcare professionals bring a wealth of experience and great insights to the research teams. These innovative awards are a great way of embedding clinical research as a core activity among these professions and we are delighted to be supporting them.”

Applications opened today. To find out more about the Lothian Clinical Academic Research Gateway Awards, please visit NHS Lothian’s website.