Nicola Manning, Deputy Director of Research Nursing, and Oliver Griffiths, Lead Clinical Research Education Facilitator, have been recognised for developing the Trust’s innovative Research Links programme. The initiative aims to make research a routine part of patient care across the organisation. The winners will be announced at the Nursing Times Awards ceremony in October 2026.
The Research Links programme launched in October 2023 at the City and Weston Hospital Operating Unit. It was developed in response to concerns that research was not always visible in frontline clinical services, despite the Trust’s strong research portfolio.
The initiative supports nurses and other healthcare professionals to act as local research champions within their own teams. They help colleagues understand research opportunities and ensure patients are more consistently informed about studies they may be eligible to take part in.
Since its launch, more than 100 Research Links have been established across City and Weston Hospital Operating Unit. The programme has increased staff confidence in discussing research, improved awareness of research opportunities among patients and families, and strengthened connections between clinical and research teams. It has also gained national recognition through publication in BMJ Evidence-Based Nursing and inclusion in NHS England guidance, with 12 NHS organisations now exploring adoption of the model.
Nicola Manning, Deputy Director of Research Nursing, said:
“We’re absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for a Nursing Times Award. Research improves patient outcomes, but too often it isn’t visible in everyday clinical settings.
“Research Links was created to bridge that gap and give nurses and clinical teams the confidence to make research part of routine care. Seeing more than 100 Research Links established in our Trust and the interest from organisations across the NHS, has been incredibly rewarding.”
Oliver Griffiths, Lead Clinical Research Education Facilitator, said:
“From the outset, we wanted to create something practical, sustainable and relevant to busy clinical teams. The enthusiasm shown by our Research Links has been fantastic and has helped build a stronger research culture. Being shortlisted for a Nursing Times Award is a wonderful recognition of the commitment shown by so many colleagues who have embraced the programme and championed research in their own areas.”
The shortlisting highlights the Trust’s continued commitment to embedding research and innovation across clinical services and ensuring more patients have access to opportunities that can improve care and outcomes.
Diana Benton, Deputy Director for Research, said:
"I am incredibly proud to see Nic and Oli recognised on the national stage for their outstanding work. The Research Links programme has transformed how we connect research with frontline clinical practice, helping to make research more visible, accessible and relevant for both staff and patients.
"Their vision, creativity and commitment have empowered colleagues across our hospitals to champion research within their own clinical teams, creating a culture where research is increasingly seen as everyone's business. The impact of the programme is a testament to their leadership and the enthusiasm of the many Research Links who have embraced this approach.
"Being shortlisted for a Nursing Times Award is thoroughly deserved recognition of what they have achieved, and of the important role nursing and allied health professionals play in driving innovation and improving patient care through research."
See the full Nursing Times Awards shortlist.