Management Team

Professor Jonathan 

Jackson

Director

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Professor Jonathan Jackson

Professor Jonathan Jackson

Director

Dr Jackson is an award winning Optometry graduate (1st)  from Glasgow College of Technology (1981) with a PhD in Corneal Physiology from Queens University Belfast (1993). After completing a Pre Registration year in Moorfields Eye Hospital London (1982) he returned to Belfast to establish a Hospital Optometry Dept in the Dept of Ophthalmology at the Royal Victoria Hospital. Since qualifying he has been awarded Fellowships from both the American Academy of Optometry and the British Contact Lens Association and holds Diploma level qualifications in independent therapeutic prescribing and Low Vision Research.

In 2007-2008 Dr Jackson completed an R&D funded Fellowship at University College Berkley (California) and from 2011 to 2014 he headed up clinical optometry services at the Australian College of Optometry in Melbourne Australia. He has co-authored over 125 peer reviewed papers, many of which have focused on visual disability, corneal disease, blindness and low vision. He has also supervised, either as lead supervisor or main clinical supervisor, 5 PhDs and 4 MPhil higher degrees, and examined 6 higher clinical research degrees and acted as peer reviewer for multiple journals and research granting organisations. Over a 30 year period he has successfully led research grant applications worth more than £1m and contributed, as a named co-applicant, to a similarly funded number of shared successful applications.

Dr Jackson {BSc (Hon 1st) PhD MCOptom (DipTp IP) FAAO (LV Dip Res) FBCLA } has been a co-lead for the Clinical Research Network (Vision) since 2015.

Contact email: jonathan.jackson@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Dr Paul Biagioni

Senior Operational 

Manager 

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Dr Paul Biagioni

Dr Paul Biagioni

Senior Manager

Dr Biagioni {BSc (Hon) PhD } has been the senior manager of the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network since its establishment in 2008. Following completion of his PhD in 2002 at Queens University of Belfast, he has been directly involved in a developmental and managerial role for R&D supporting infrastructure within Health and Social care in NI.

His involvement was integral to the establishment of infrastructural units supporting the challenging changes to the research environment falling out of the implementation of the EU Clinical Trials Directive back in 2004. In 2008 he was brought into the NICRN management role and has led its development from an embryonic loose collective of independent principal investigators across a range of clinical specialities to it now being Northern Ireland single largest R&D enabling infrastructure accounting for almost 20% of the regional Research budget.

Mr Shane Jackson

Senior Portfolio

 Manager

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Professor Jonathan Jackson

Shane Jackson

Portfolio Manager

Shane Jackson graduated in 1991 with a BMus (hons) degree from Ulster University and then went on to obtain a MSc in Music Technology from the University of York – so where did it all go wrong?  Having returned to his native Northern Ireland with wife and child 1 in tow he decided it was time to get a real job as a data processor working on the roll out of the Health and Care number in NI.  Shortly thereafter in 2008 he moved into clinical research taking up the role of Data Manager for what was to become the NICTU.  He then joined the burgeoning NI Clinical Research Network in 2012 as a research portfolio coordinator.  In the intervening period he has led on the development of regional portfolio management services for Northern Ireland, including the interfacing and links between local portfolio management systems and the NIHR’s CPMS / ODP systems.

 

Ms Sonia McKenna

Senior Staff 

Manager

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Professor Jonathan Jackson

Sonia McKenna

Senior Staff Manager

Sonia McKenna RN, RM, BSc (Hons), PGDip is the Senior Staff Manager of the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network. Throughout a 35-year nursing and midwifery career, Sonia has gained extensive clinical skills and knowledge throughout numerous clinical areas. Sonia’s research career has seen her co-author several peer reviewed research papers. Sonia has continued to avail of opportunities for postgrad education, including completing the ILM Level 7 Leadership and Management Certificate.

As the Lead Research Nurse / Midwife, Sonia is a working Group Member on the United Kingdom and Ireland Clinical Research Nurse and Midwife Census Group. Currently representing Northern Ireland on several national platforms including the Royal College of Nursing, Research Society Subcommittee and AUKLRN (Association of UK Lead Research Nurses). Membership of these committees equips Sonia with experience in valuable research leadership and expertise. With a focus on research workforce, strategies and structures to support clinical research Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals, this experience allows more staff to have capacity, capability and confidence to lead and conduct research for patient benefit.

 

Ms Angela Abbate

Staff Manager

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Professor Jonathan Jackson

Ms Angela Abbate

Staff Manager

I commenced my General Nurse training in the ‘Old ‘ Belfast City Hospital in 1984 later assisting with the moving of the first patients to the newly opened Tower Block in January 1986.

I worked as a Staff Nurse in Vascular Surgery in BCH before commencing my Midwifery Training in Jubilee Maternity Hospital 1989-1991.

I have worked as a Midwife in varying roles since this.

I certified as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant in 2000 and was part of the Community Based Infant Feeding Team providing Specialist Breastfeeding Support.

I  was also the Breastfeeding Peer Support Coordinator responsible for the recruitment, training and management of the  Breastfeeding Peer Support Volunteers within the BHSCT.

I joined the Northern Ireland Clinical Research Network in 2020 as a Midwife in the Children’s Group where I worked until taking up my role as NICRN Staff Manager in February 2023.

Under the guidance  of Sonia and Alison I am rising to the challenges involved with Staff Management.

I am passionate about providing staff with support and encouragement as they deliver high quality, safe and effective care to their study participants.

Ms Alison Clinton

Staff Manager

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Professor Jonathan Jackson

Alison Clinton

Staff Manager

Alison Clinton holds a BSc Hons (1st) and MSc in Nursing. She has continued to avail of opportunities for postgrad education, including completing a Certificate in Health Studies and the Level 5 Leadership and Management course through BHSCT.

Alison joined the NICRN in 2014 as a Coordinator with the Respiratory Group and worked with the Dementia Group before taking up the post of Staff Manager in 2019.

Alison enjoys the day-to-day challenges of working in the research environment. She is keen to support staff to deliver safe and effective care to patients, on their journey through a research study or clinical trial, to contribute to the care, recovery and rehabilitation of people with health conditions.

Admin Team

Louise Scullion

Senior Research Administrator

Chris Wright

Senior Research Administrator

Ciara McKenna

Study Support Coordinator

Vacant

Coordinating Centre Manager

Roisin Adams

Research Admin

Rahim Byrne

Research Admin

 

Vacant

Research Admin

Andrew Sloane

Research Admin

Fionnuala White

Research Admin