International Day of Women and Girls in Science - Women in Research at Cardiff and Vale UHB

I started working as an Intensive Care Nurse in 2004 and was one of the first nurses to join the critical care research team in 2011. As the number of research studies that we took part in grew, so did our team, and in 2017 I became the first Critical Care Research Team Lead in Wales.

Every day is different in my job, I get to use my clinical skills with our patients, teach, set up research training courses and run a large portfolio of clinical studies on the intensive care unit. I take on the role of Principal Investigator for clinical trials, have publications in medical journals and help my medical colleagues to do the same. My team works on national and international research studies that influence the treatments of critically ill patients globally.

I absolutely love the impact that clinical research has on patient care. Everything we do is for the purpose of making sure patients have the best, evidence based care that we can provide. That for me is the best part of the job, knowing that we are truly making a difference to our patients.

Lucy Knibbs

Research Nurse

My research nurse role has enabled me to combine my interest in science with the nursing skills I have developed throughout my career.

As well as helping with COVID-19 studies this past year, I have also been leading on studies for the Clinical Gerontology directorate. Both of these areas have introduced me to wonderful clinical teams and has helped me to develop my knowledge about different conditions and the treatment available to patients. 

One of the most exciting studies to be part of was the recent Janssen COVID-19 vaccine study which we conducted within the Clinical Research Facility. Here, myself and two other research nurses (the unblinded team) were some of the very first healthcare professionals in the UK to prepare and dispense this new vaccine so that it could be administered (by the blinded vaccination team) to participants. When the results for this study were released a few weeks ago, the whole team was excited about their contribution to these findings. Especially because it was announced that this particular COVID-19 vaccine was effective after one dose being administered!

Although I am a woman in science I have never thought of myself as this. I am first and foremost a nurse, with the skills to provide patient centred care and implement future evidence based practice.

Dr Siân Griffin

Consultant Nephrologist

I have been involved in research since I was an undergraduate medical student – I’ve always felt that it’s important not to stand still but to increase knowledge and understanding. Earlier in my career I was involved in laboratory-based research, but since my appointment as a Consultant I have focused on more clinical and holistic research with greater immediate patient benefit. I am a nephrologist with an interest in disease that involve immunity and the kidney, including transplantation. Now is a very exciting time to be involved in medical research, especially with the development of new drugs and treatment options for kidney disease.

Pregnancy may have an adverse effect on the health of women with kidney disease. In addition to the medical complications of pregnancy, I also have an interest in the broader psychosocial impact, and how this impacts women’s pre-conception plans. We are currently undertaking a UK-wide research study in this area.

For female healthcare professionals (and men), the time required for research alongside other responsibilities is an important consideration. I think the health service offers many opportunities to take part in research. For some this will be as a group leader with responsibility for a research programme, for others it may be discussing and consenting patients into  trials as part and parcel of clinical day to day work.

Dr Julie Cornish

Consultant, General Surgery and Honorary Clinical Lecturer

To me research represents a way of improving patient outcomes which is as important as my other role as a colorectal surgeon. I have used research as a means of delivering rapid quality improvement programmes and novel and innovative treatment interventions that would otherwise not be accessible to some or all of my patients.  On a personal level research provides me with ongoing challenges that keep me fresh and interested in my job and I love working in a team that inspires me to keep pushing the service forward. 

I am a colorectal consultant surgeon and honorary senior lecturer, with a research interest in outcomes after surgery and bowel function after childbirth and cancer surgery. I am the R&D lead for the surgical board in Cardiff and Vale as well as being a chief investigator and principal investigator in several trials. Research has allowed me to travel as part of international conferences, network with colleagues and to improve my surgical practice. I work in a team of consultants, research fellows, trainees and research staff in the colorectal research group and would say at least half are women. 

I think that the female perspective on what research topics we should pursue are really important to provide a balance and my input has altered some of the areas that we focus on as a research group. A period in research doesn’t necessarily mean that you are going to be an academic as part of your day to day job but it does alter the lens through which you view the world of medicine and can be applicable to teaching, management and quality improvement roles that you may choose to take on.