Oli Griffiths, Lead Clinical Research Education Facilitator, has been awarded a place on the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Developing Research Leader (DRL) Programme. He is the first person from the Trust to receive the award.
The highly competitive programme provides funding and protected time over three years to help nurses, midwives and allied health professionals develop as research leaders. Awardees also build research capacity within their organisations and create a stronger research culture across health and care services.
Oli is a registered nurse who has worked in research since 2014. He will use the opportunity to develop projects on improving research inclusion, enhancing participant experience and exploring how digital tools and AI can support research delivery.
His main project will focus on equipping research delivery teams with practical tools, resources and training to help ensure research is accessible, inclusive and responsive to participants' needs. This work aims to help staff take meaningful action in day-to-day research practice.
A second strand will explore how digital technologies and artificial intelligence could help improve efficiency, increase capacity and support workforce development in research delivery teams.
Oli said:
"I'm delighted to have been selected for the NIHR Developing Research Leader Programme. It's a fantastic opportunity to develop my leadership skills while working on areas I'm genuinely passionate about.
"Throughout my career I've seen a growing awareness of the importance of research inclusion and participant experience, but staff often need practical support to turn that awareness into action. I'm excited to use this opportunity to develop resources that will help research teams deliver more inclusive, accessible and effective research for the people we serve.
"I'm also looking forward to exploring how digital innovation can support research delivery and create new opportunities for our workforce. Most of all, I'm proud to be representing the Trust on this national programme."
Nic Manning, Deputy Director of Research Nursing at Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, said:
"I've had the privilege of supporting Oli's application for the NIHR Developing Research Leader Programme and have seen first-hand the thought, effort and dedication he has invested in securing this award. He is an enthusiastic advocate for research and is passionate about helping others develop their knowledge, skills and confidence.
"This achievement is thoroughly deserved. Oli's planned work on research inclusion, participant experience and digital innovation addresses some of the most important opportunities facing research delivery today.
“As the first member of our Trust to be awarded a place on the programme, he is helping to raise the profile of research leadership and demonstrate what is possible for nurses and allied health professionals working in research."
The NIHR Developing Research Leader Programme is aimed at nurses, midwives and allied health professionals who want to develop as research leaders and help embed research within their organisations. Participants receive structured support, mentorship, leadership development opportunities and protected time to undertake projects that strengthen research culture and capability.
Oli's success reflects the Trust's growing reputation for research excellence and its commitment to developing the next generation of research leaders.