Building Bridges and Partnerships to Develop and Support Clinical Research

Dr. Richard Smith is a Consultant Nephrologist at Ipswich Hospital and Clinical Director of Research at East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT: Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals). Having completed his PhD in Immunology he ran a research group in the Cambridge University Department of Pathology, before returning to clinical medicine. He maintained his interest in research running his own research group in the Academic Renal Unit, University of Bristol, whilst also acting as Principle Investigator for clinical trials. Richard holds an Honorary Professorship in the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex, where he works closely with Professor Sheina Orbell on behavioural management and implementation science in chronic health conditions. Richard is passionate about clinical research and embedding research into everyday practice and works across a number of research teams mentoring and supporting clinical staff. He hopes to use this experience to help academics and clinicians work together to develop their own clinical research projects, navigating what can be quite difficult waters.

Richard will touch on these topics in his talk, as part of the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub lecture series on Monday, the 4th of November. His talk, ‘Building Bridges and Partnerships to Develop and Support Clinical Research’ will trace the history of his collaboration with Professor Sheina Orbell that resulted in a £1 million award allowing The University of Essex, East Suffolk and North East Essex Psychological Research Unit for Behaviour, Health and Wellbeing to be established. We are delighted to welcome Richard and hear his experiences in generating clinical research in practice, drawing on current case studies of successful and effective academic and clinical research partnerships. Richard will highlight best practice in embedding research in clinical practice, identifying barriers and facilitators in developing clinical academic careers. His talk will explore and emphasise the importance of partnership working across clinical and academic settings. This session is aimed at academics, clinicians and practitioners who are looking for opportunities to expand their knowledge, experience and expertise in clinical research. Richard is passionate in developing clinical research and we are looking forward to hearing his experiences and ideas. The talk will be followed by a reception where we will have the opportunity to meet and talk to Richard and other delegates and network.

Host or Publisher Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub