NICRN deliver workshop at UU AHP Research Conference on 11.9.26

September 14, 2026

Professor Jonathan Jackson and Ms Lia McNamee, within their NICRN roles, have been working to increase research engagement among non medical healthcare professionals across the BHSCT. This work has been done in partnership with Dr Laura Cushley whose expertise in the field of online surveys and qualitative research has been invaluable. Through a series of surveys and focus groups, they have been exploring staff experiences, views and aspirations relating to research, while identifying barriers that can limit participation.

The findings will help inform future initiatives to create more opportunities for healthcare professionals to become involved and contribute to building a sustainable and more inclusive research culture. The project has also facilitated valuable networking with colleagues across a range of organisations and professional backgrounds, creating new partnerships and contacts that will help drive this work forward and expand research opportunities for the wider workforce.

As part of their outreach work, they attended the University of Ulsters recent AHP Research and Innovation Conference where they delivered a workshop focused on breaking down barriers and creating greater opportunities for AHPs to engage in research. The workshop was very well attended, with enthusiastic participation and thoughtful discussion throughout. It was a real success and highlighted the strong interest and appetite among AHPs to further develop their research skills, confidence and involvement in research.

Pictured (L-R) Sonyia McFadden, Katherine O’Neill (Co-CAHPR Leads), Lia McNamee (NICRN Research Manager), Jonathan Jackson (NICRN Director) and Laura Cushley (QUB Researcher)