Research Advisory Group
Constituted in 2002, the aim of the Research Group is to help the CoR fulfil its objectives, by encouraging all radiographers to use research in their practice and to promote radiography’s unique knowledge base.
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Tom Welton Council member | |
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Members of the committee fulfil various functions, including contributing to both CoR research activity and to the development of responses for national and international consultations on research related matters.
They oversee, on behalf of UK Council and the College Board of Trustees, the administration of research awards that are given annually.
Key Documents
Dr Ian Simcock qualified as a clinical radiographer in 1996 and has worked in a variety of roles throughout his career, both overseas and within the UK. He has been research active since 2001, as Deputy Research Superintendent at the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre for 10 years, leading research into oncology and the development of novel MRI and CT imaging techniques to detect cancer and assess new treatments.
Since 2017 he has worked at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) and completed his PhD, funded by an NIHR Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship in 2021, developing non-invasive micro-CT for human fetal post-mortem imaging following miscarriage, for which he won several awards including the GOSH STAR Award for Research Success of the Year 2021. He was also awarded an RDS Enabling Involvement Fund to determine the acceptability of the technique for parents who have experienced miscarriage. This culminated in an public dissemination animation video (Helping Parents Find Answers After Miscarriage - YouTube) working closely with charities (The Miscarriage Association, and Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society; SANDS) to explain post mortem options to parents following their loss.
He is now the Lead Clinical Academic Radiographer for GOSH Radiology, with a significant leadership and mentorship remit and is currently been awarded 2 post-doctoral grants, the HEE LSBU/KCL ICA post-doctoral bridging scheme and a GOSH Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) post-doctoral internship whilst he develops his post-doctoral clinical lectureship application.
He is currently an active member of several clinical-academic groups including the GOSH-ORCHID Academic Inquiring Minds, which guides and develops early career researchers from a range of allied health professionals and nursing backgrounds. He also provides mentorship both at GOSH, ORCHID and as an external advisor for the NIHR/HEE ICA national mentorship scheme run by the University of West England to provide mentorship across a wide number of researchers.
Ian is a member of the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) Research Group, providing direction for the national research strategy. He sits on the UCL GOS Institute of Child Health BRC Junior Faculty to ensure funding and training opportunities for early career researchers and assesses grant applications to both BRC Junior Faculty and SCoR across a range of research projects and training.
He is on the International Advisory Panel and Editorial Board for the Journal of Radiography, helping to direct the journals content and ensuring relevance to the Radiography workforce and has authored over 25 journal papers on a range of topics, including the challenges of clinical-academic careers for radiographers.
Julie qualified as a diagnostic radiographer in 1985 before obtaining her master’s degree in medical ethics and law from the University of Liverpool.
After a period of clinical practice in both the UK and USA she moved into education and is now a senior lecturer at UWE. Her doctoral studies focussed upon ethical decision making within disciplinary teams and she has a keen interest in all ethical issues in healthcare especially those related to transplantation and the impact of new technologies.
She is also heavily involved with research governance and is chair of her faculty’s research ethics committee along with being appointed as Chair of the Central Bristol NHS Research ethics committee. Julie is also a specialist advisor to the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and has recently been appointed to Research England criteria setting panel as part of the forthcoming research excellence framework in 2020.
Julie is interested in investigating the applicability of ethical issues within a wider interdisciplinary research arena and conducts collaborative research in this area.
Following qualification as a diagnostic radiographer, Theo worked clinically in some of Ghana’s busiest urban and rural radiology departments. An interest in MRI research led him to successfully complete an MSc in Neuroimaging at King’s College London in 2015.
In 2019, he was awarded a doctorate in Medicine from the Na-tional University of Ireland Galway, for his research into the pro-gression of neuroanatomical abnormalities in psychosis using MRI. This work has informed his current research, which in-cludes clinical imaging, radiography and healthcare research, neu-roimaging/clinical neuroscience and quantitative research meth-ods.
Currently, Theo is a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Bournemouth University. He has au-thored various publications, undertaken conference presentations at local, national and international level, and peer reviews for several professional and scientific journals.
He has received sev-eral early career research awards including the 2020 Early Ca-reer/Travel Award from the Schizophrenia International Research Society. He holds membership of the Health and Care Profes-sions Council, International Society of Radiographers and Radio-logical Technologists, Neuroscience Ireland, Organisation of Human Brain Mapping and the British Institute of Radiology.
He maintains a keen interest in current professional issues through his involvement in the Research Advisory Group and welcomes approaches from radiographers and others who are interested in pursuing a career in research.
Originally studied as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist at the Lisbon School of Health Technology, practicing in the Portuguese National Health System and private clinics within the Lisbon Metropolitan area. Subsequently moved to Portsmouth, in the United Kingdom, practicing as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist in the Queen Alexandra Hospital and later as a PET Technologist for InHealth, covering the south coast of the UK (from Canterbury to Plymouth).
She has been in her latest role for over 5 years, acting as a Research PET Technologist at Invicro. During this period, she has successfully completed a Masters’ Degree in Neuroimaging for Research with the University of Edinburgh, specialising in image analysis and image processing techniques.
Daniela has gained extensive experience within academia and industry, contributing her knowledge and insight to European and Word-wide conferences as an abstract reviewer and to National Conferences as an invited speaker.
She has authored publications and undertaken conference presentations at local and national level.
In 2021, she enrolled a Professional Doctorate in Health, focusing on Quantitative and Qualitative research, Evidence Based Practice and Practice based research, with the University of Bath.
She maintains a keen interest in current professional issues through her involvement with the Research Group. She also maintains her role as an assessor for the Register of Clinical Technologists involved in assessing portfolios within the equivalence route.
Prince completed radiography education in Ghana in 2005 and worked for five years. He proceeded to pursue his MSc Radiography in image interpretation at Cardiff University in 2009. He worked at Macclesfield District General Hospital in general radiography, computed tomography and skeletal reporting between 2012 to 2018.
While at Macclesfield Hospital, he decided to pursue part time doctorate at Sheffield Hallam University and was awarded a professional doctorate in 2018. His thesis explored research utilisation amongst diagnostic radiographers in the UK. He is also a major proponent for evidence-based radiography.
Prince is interested in research dissemination within the radiography profession. He has authored a few publications, undertaken conference presentation at the national level, and peer reviews for National Institute for Health Research. Prince is an accredited advanced practitioner in skeletal reporting and is currently pursuing postgraduate certificate in adult chest reporting.
Marianne originally qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer in Trinidad and Tobago in 1995. She became interested in education early in her career and lectured with the School of Radiography in Trinidad. Hoping to further her career in education, she moved to the UK in 2001 to attend the University of Leeds, gaining a Master of Education degree (MEd) in 2002 with a special interest in Lifelong Learning.
She decided to specialise in Ultrasound and gained her PGD in ultrasound in 2006 from the University of Liverpool.
Whilst working as a Sonographer, she was a guest lecturer in Radiography for Liverpool University and became Clinical Tutor in ultrasound working with multidisciplinary teams.
She gained her MSc in Ultrasound in 2010 and is currently in her final year, completing a Professional Doctorate in Advanced Healthcare Practice (DAHP) from Cardiff University.
Her research is an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis study exploring wellbeing in hybrid managers in the NHS.
She was recently in a management role as Strategic lead for Imaging across The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Aintree Hospital and Liverpool Women’s Hospital (LWH). She is currently Clinical Lead for Imaging at LWH.
She has a deep interest in lifelong professional and personal development, workforce issues, research and education. She is also interested in issues of equality, diversity and inclusivity.
In addition to this role with the SoR Research Advisory Group, she is a member of Liverpool Hospitals Research Collaborative and is actively involved with Cheshire and Merseyside Imaging Network and AHP faculty.
Martine trained as a Diagnostic Radiographer at the University of Bradford, progressing to CT Advanced Practitioner through postgraduate study and extensive clinical experience gained in the UK and Australia. During this time Martine contributed to the implementation of several radiographer-led CT services, the clinical training of new CT radiographers, was active within service improvement and lead on the delivery of the CT quality control programme.
She moved to the Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust in 2012 to pursue a clinical academic career completing an NIHR MSc in Clinical Research Methods at the University of Leeds. As part of this academic award, Martine conducted a study using imaging phantoms exploring the acceptability of iterative reconstruction in acute CT head and the implementation of Sinogram Affirmed Iterative Reconstruction (SAFIRE) in comparison to traditional filtered back projection (FBP). This consequently led to a CT visiting lecturer role at the University of Bradford and work to develop a CT simulation programme with the University.
Martine is currently a research radiographer in the Trust leading on audit, radiology clinical trials and locally initiated research in. She has been Principal Investigator on NIHR portfolio-adopted studies exploring the utility of point of care creatinine testing and its clinical and cost effectiveness within the outpatient CT pathway. This work has informed a NICE MedTech Innovation Briefing (MIB) and NICE Diagnostic Assessment Programme (DAP) on which Martine has acted as clinical advisor and co-author respectively.
In 2017, she started her doctoral studies investigating competency and professional advancement in Computed Tomography (the ComPACT study). This study looks to develop and perform preliminary evaluation of the technical competencies required by CT radiographers in the UK context. The findings of this study will inform the development of an evidence-based framework of valid CT competencies that can be used as a guide for radiography education and practitioner development from novice to expert.
Martine has authored various publications, undertaken conference presentations at local and international level, and peer reviews for three professional journals. She maintains a keen interest in current professional issues through her involvement the Research Advisory Group. Her research interests are in patient safety, service development, pathway improvement and radiography education. She also supports the delivery of high quality research through her position as facilitator of Good Clinical Practice (GCP) Training for the Clinical Research Network (CRN) in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Originally trained as a Diagnostic Radiographer at Sheffield Hallam University, and practising as a diagnostic radiographer in Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, Dr Emma Hyde subsequently gained extensive experience within Higher Education as a senior academic at the University of Derby, contributing her knowledge and insight to the delivery of professional programmes and at a strategic level.
Emma was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by Advance HE in 2020 and is an external examiner for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in diagnostic imaging at University of West of England (Bristol).
She has authored publications in ‘Radiography’, ‘Journal for Medical Imaging & Radiation Sciences’ and ‘Imaging & Therapy Practice’, undertaken conference presentations at local, national and international level, and currently peer reviews for two scientific journals.
In 2021, she was awarded a PhD in Published Works, following a programme of research into student transition into clinical placement and patient centred care in diagnostic radiography. This work has informed her current research, which includes further projects about patient centred care and placement learning.
In addition, Emma has recently completed a project for Health Education England (Midlands) about the Diagnostic Radiography Workforce. She maintains a keen interest in current professional issues through her involvement the Research Advisory Group.
Jo qualified with a BSc (hons) Therapeutic Radiography from the University of Liverpool and began her clinical career at the Northern Centre for Cancer Treatment, Newcastle. After moving to the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Jo worked in both the treatment and pre-treatment areas of the department.
With a specific interest in the imaging methods employed in radiotherapy she specialised as a pre-treatment Advanced Practitioner and undertook an MSc in Image Formation and Pattern Recognition at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. Whilst in this role she was able to develop the pelvic preparation and 4D CT scanning protocols that are still in departmental use to date. In January 2018, Jo was appointed as the lead research radiographer in Edinburgh; a role which has allowed her to explore further the impact of the bladder and rectum on prostate radiotherapy treatments.
Jo is a member of CTRad, the SOR Research and Clinical trials SIG and since 2019 has been an active member of the United Kingdom Imaging and Oncology conference (UKIO) radiotherapy working group.
Jo is currently undertaking a PhD with the University of Edinburgh examining the clinical implementation of Adaptive Radiotherapy. As part of her PhD journey, Jo intends to investigate the different ART strategies currently in use in the clinical setting, to establish if we should be adapting based on these existing methods or if we should be adapting treatments based on more complex, scientific and biological data to create personalised radiotherapy regimes.
Philip is chair of the PAG. He explains his time with the CoR. "I have been a member of the PPLG and now the PAG for about 8 years (I think) and Chair for the last 4 years. I decided to join the Group after recovering from a serious illness and thought that becoming involved with the group was a way of giving something back. I had had a wide experience of health issues both as a patient and carer.
I recently spoke at the CoRIPS seminar in London about my involvement in the task and finish group to develop the Society and College of Radiographers' Patient Public and Practitioner Partnerships within Imaging and Radiotherapy:Guiding Principles.I am a member of the SoR Research Group. I was part of the working party that responded to the Francis Report on behalf of the SoR. I attend the College Board of Trustees meetings as a lay member from time to time.
I am a lay / patient member on the Public Health England (PHE) International Research Group into Ionising Radiation impact on Cataracts. I worked on the Clinical Imaging Board project to develop a paper on Errors, Adverse Events and Near Misses." Philip explains: “Membership of the PAG is open to anyone and we meet two or three times a year, with expenses covered by the College. We also keep in touch electronically,” he adds. Philip explains that being a part of the PAG is more than just turning up, having a voice is important: “From the PAG perspective it is important that we are more than a ’tick box’ and that we understand radiographers and the environment in which they work so that we can provide credible and genuine support,” he says. “We are supported by CoR and SoR officers and work closely with them on a broad range of projects and professional issues.
We also share our insights and views with these working groups, boards and other organisations". "It is both fascinating and very rewarding to know that as a lay person you can get involved and help in the delivery of great patient care.”
Aarthi Ramlaul trained and worked as a diagnostic radiographer in South Africa (SA) and taught radiography in SA before joining the Harley Street Clinic in London as an interventional radiographer in 2001. She joined the University of Hertfordshire in 2003 and is currently a principal lecturer and programme leader for the undergraduate diagnostic radiography and imaging programme. Her areas of expertise and interest lie in interventional radiology, mammography, sectional anatomy and imaging, ethico-legal considerations in practice, education, pedagogy, and qualitative research.
She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an external examiner on two radiography programmes in the UK, and at one international university. She has authored and edited various publications and participated in national and international conferences. She is a doctoral supervisor, a peer reviewer for three professional journals, and a member of the editorial board of the SA Radiographer.
In 2018, she was awarded a Doctorate in Education following a programme of research into “The meaning and development of critical thinking in diagnostic radiography”. This work has informed her ongoing research, which includes the use of Socratic questioning methods in developing students’ critical thinking abilities. In addition, her current research involves exploring the awarding gap between students from White, Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups.
She maintains a keen interest in current professional issues through her involvement in the Research Advisory Group. She also maintains her role as a registered assessor for the Society and College of Radiographers involved in the accreditation and approval of educational courses and advanced and consultant practitioner applications.
Trained as a Therapeutic Radiographer, for the last nine years she has been working in a research environment within the radiotherapy service, gaining extensive experience and research skills.
Her activities include being involved in all aspects of the legal and regulatory process of research, as well as the patient related aspects including the consent process. Her research skills were strengthened by the completion of a Master’s Degree in Health Research at the University of Leeds.
She is a founder member and Vice Chair of the Research and Clinical Trials Radiographers group (RaCTR). The group is a SIG of the SoR which meets regularly to support therapeutic radiographers working in clinical trials. Many members have joined the group since it began in December 2016.
During her involvement in the research advisory group she has been involved in writing the 4P guidelines, and the ‘Getting Started in Research’ document, and was a working member of the student awards review panel. She is an expert member of an HRA ethics committee, which regularly reviews research from an ethical perspective. This involves training in many areas of research including medical devices, Phase I studies and studies involving adults who lack capacity. She is passionate about research as a route to providing the evidence for future treatments and experiences, and thereby improving outcomes for people with diseases. However, appreciates the need for this to be balanced against what involvement required from any potential participants during the research.
Ruth qualified as a Diagnostic Radiographer in 1995 and worked in the NHS before
moving into education in 2001. She is currently an Associate Professor at The University of Suffolk.
In 2011 Ruth completed her professional doctorate which was entitled ‘An ethnographic study of the culture in a Diagnostic Imaging Department’.
Ruth teaches on several courses at the University of Suffolk and her research interests include interprofessional working, clinical education, work-based culture and values-based practice.
Ruth is currently working on several funded research projects, she is the editor of the journal ‘Imaging & Oncology and she is a reviewer for the journals ‘Radiography’ and ‘The Journal of Organisational Ethnography.
Amy Hancock (nee Taylor) qualified as a Therapeutic Radiographer in 2006. She is a Senior Lecturer for the Medical Imaging Team at the University of Exeter. Prior to this Amy was employed as the Principal Therapeutic Radiographer for Research and Development at Weston Park Cancer Centre and previously worked at Sheffield Hallam University as a Senior Lecturer on the Radiotherapy and Oncology programmes.
She is a scientific member on the National Cancer Research Institute Living with and beyond cancer group. Amy is also the Chair of the Research and Clinical Trials Therapeutic Radiographers (RaCTTR) specialist interest group and is a UKIO working party member, taking the position as Research Lead for the Research, Education & Workforce, Policy and QI workstream.
She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an accredited academic visitor and assessor for the Health and Care Professions Council.
In 2017 Amy was awarded the College of Radiographers Doctoral Fellowship, she completed her PhD, which employed co-production to develop a shared definition of compassion and a conceptual framework of compassionate display in radiotherapy. She is passionate about research that improves the care and services for patients and is an advocate for patient and public involvement in research.
Amy is a National Institute for Health Research Clinical Academic Careers Framework mentor, supporting other Therapeutic Radiographers to develop their skills and research careers.
Amy has authored various publications and undertaken oral and poster conference presentations at local, national and international level. She is a peer reviewer for four professional journals and is an international advisor for the Radiography Journal.
Dr Jenna Tugwell-Allsup qualified with a first class Honours degree from Bangor University in 2008. She has since worked at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) initially as a general and MRI radiographer before moving into a research radiographer role in 2012. In 2016, Jenna completed her MPhil with Salford University, in the area of ‘optimising image quality and radiation dose’.
She continued her work in this area, specifically focussing on geometry and attenuation, which recently (in 2021) led to the successful completion of her PhD by Published Works at Salford University.
Jenna is an honorary lecturer at Bangor University, both teaching and supervising research dissertations. As deputy chair of Research and Innovation Board at Ysbyty Gwynedd she provides multi-professional training on various aspects of research at BCUHB on topics such as ‘statistics, peer-reviewing and writing for publication’; this group’s aims are largely to promote research and research training opportunities.
Within her role as research radiographer, Jenna leads on audit/quality improvement, radiology clinical trials and locally initiated research. Her research interests include, optimising image quality and radiation dose, intra and inter observer variability, computer simulation/artificial intelligence, reducing anxiety in MRI and oncology imaging. She also performs Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST) measurements for oncology clinical trials within her health board.
She has been both Chief Investigator and Principal Investigator on NIHR portfolio-adopted studies including her MRI anxiety studies. Jenna is first author on numerous Journal publications, a Bevan Fellow with the Bevan Commission and peer reviews for the international journal ‘Radiography’.
Jenna is currently working on follow-ups for the MR in Ovarian Cancer trial that she led on, exploring the use of copper filtration for neonatal imaging using DR, and opening the MIDI study, which aims to develop a software for pathology detection on brain MRI.
Sits on the research advisory group to represent SoR Council.