NUH Research and Innovation Team Member Short Biographies
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Dr Brian Thomson
Director of Research
Dr Brian Thomson, Director of Research
Dr Brian Thomson qualified in Medicine from the University of Edinburgh and trained in medicine in Edinburgh, London and Cambridge before being appointed an Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Physician in Nottingham in 1997. Dr Thomson has held MRC Training and Clinician Scientist Fellowships in London and Cambridge and was awarded a PhD in 1992. Dr Thomson has a particular interest in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This has taken the form of both basic biomedical research into the pathogenesis of disease and the development of novel models for the management and treatment of HCV in the community. Dr Thomson has been Director of Research and Innovation at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust since 2007 and is the founder and Director of the Nottingham Health Science Biobank (NHSB).
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Dr Maria Koufali
Deputy Director of Research & Innovation
Dr Maria Koufali, Deputy Director of Research & Innovation
After graduating from King’s College London, in Medical Biochemistry, Maria qualified as a Clinical Biochemist at the Medical School of Athens. A PhD in mitochondrial neuroscience followed from the University of Dundee in 2001, combined with further research in the areas of p53 activation and siRNA silencing. She is now working towards an MBA qualification. Maria joined the NHS in 2003 as Research Fellow in Liverpool, where she led the development of a clinical research portfolio of epidemiological and medical device studies in the therapeutic area of stroke. She also worked closely with Industry and Academic partners at the Stroke Research Network. Following a postgraduate diploma in Performance and Innovation Management, she joined the challenging world of research management. Maria strives to develop research capacity and capability whilst fostering a culture for the diffusion and adoption of innovation within the Trust. Maria is committed to embedding research into core NUH business.
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Charlotte Davies
Operations Manager
Charlotte Davies, R&I Operations Manager
After obtaining a BA(Hons) in Sociology and Sport Science, Charlotte continued with her studies and qualified as a nurse in 2000, working in both Gynaecology and the Emergency department here at NUH. In 2007 she took up a research nurse role in Hepatology. This required the compilation of ethics and R&D submissions, the set up, management and recruitment to multiple concurrent commercial and non-commercial trials. Following this Charlotte took up a Research Managers post in R&I in March 2009 and subsequently the role of Operations Manager.
Charlotte leads on the design and delivery of a timely and seamless research management service to NUH and plays a key role in promoting a culture of high quality research through expert support to our research leaders and their research teams.
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Hanna Purves
Clinical Research Matron
Hanna Purves, R&I Clinical Research Matron
Hanna did her nursing degree in Oulu, Finland and qualified in 1996. She started her nursing career in the UK at Hammersmith Hospitals NHS trust in London working in specialties covering the care of the elderly, haematology and infectious diseases. She joined Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust in 1999 as a staff nurse working in oncology in-patient chemotherapy service. In 2001 Hanna joined the Oncology research team as research nurse and completed a post graduate diploma in adult cancer nursing in 2007. She has experience in coordinating a wide range of cancer studies including renal, melanoma, prostate and breast and gynaecological cancers. In her most recent post before joining R&I Hanna managed and developed a team of research professionals as Nottingham Cancer Clinical Trials Team Leader, working within Mid Trent Cancer Research Network. Hanna is passionate about research nursing and sees research as a key element in developing patient care and has a keen interest in management and leadership.
Hanna Purves joined R&I as Research Matron/Clinical Research Nurse Manager in December 2012. She leads the Research Nurse Bank at R&I with skilled research nurses available to work in clinical trials within NUH. This exciting new service aims to provide all aspects or research nursing support to commercial studies within NUH.
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Janine Mills
Corporate Finance Manager
Janine Mills, R&I Finance Manager
After graduating from the University of Birmingham with a degree in Biochemistry, Janine pursued a career in Medical Publishing and Medical Education working with the Pharmaceutical Industry on a range of clinical products prior to launch. She studied Clinical Research at the University of Leeds.
In 2004, she joined the NHS developing a range of Clinical Guidelines with the aim of supporting junior doctors. Later that year, she joined the NHS National Management Scheme as a Finance Trainee qualifying as an Accountant with CIMA in 2007. As a trainee, she worked across a range of NHS organisations.
Janine joined the R&I team in 2011 as the Finance Manager, and is working with the team to deliver high quality management information.
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Robert Spencer
R&I Finance Manager
Robert Spencer, R&I Corporate Finance Manager
Rob is a Fellow of accounting body CIMA. After leaving Grammar School, Rob developed his knowledge of business accounting with several medium sized companies in Notts and Derbyshire.
He joined the Central Nottinghamshire Health Authority as Financial Manager in 1975 and completed 20 years in the NHS before moving into the European Regeneration arena, supporting new businesses to use the Internet to develop their marketing profile.
He began interim work in the NHS in 2008 working with PCT’s to support their move to NHS Trust status and with major Teaching Hospitals in Research and Development.
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Dr Roy Harris
Head of IP & Commercialisation
Dr Roy Harris, R&I Head of IP & Commercialisation
Roy is a Protein Chemist by training with over 25 years industrial experience of innovative scientific research in fields including cancer, haemostasis chronic wound and tissue repair. After 5 years at the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, he became Head of Protein Chemistry at Delta Biotechnology in Nottingham in 1988, Head of Research at Andaris Ltd, 1994 and later Director of IP at Quadrant Healthcare Ltd. Roy set up his own research company in 1999 which became Advanced Protein Systems Ltd based at Biocity in 2004. He raised over £1.2 million for research into chronic wounds and tissue repair and took its lead product, a chronic wound dressing into Phase II clinical trials. Further work involved dermal fillers and implants focusing on skin cancers, arthritic joints and dermal tissue repair before closure of the company in 2011.
Roy works within the team to set up and implement strategies for the identification and assessment of new ideas, to raise awareness of the importance of protecting these ideas through regular workshops and clinics and to build up a collaborative skill base to ensure full support for the development and commercialisation of the products.
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Jane Flewitt
Patient and Public Involvement / Engagement (PPI/E) Facilitator
Jane Flewitt, R&I Patient and Public Involvement / Engagement (PPI/E) Facilitator
After obtaining the Chartered Institute of Marketing Diploma in 1989, Jane worked in a number of marketing, communication and engagement roles both in the private and public sectors working predominantly in training and Apprenticeship programmes.
In 2009, Jane took up the role of PA to the Clinical Director and Senior Manager of Trent CLRN and after obtaining a degree in Humanities with Literature in 2012 she joined the R&I team as Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPI/E) Facilitator. Jane’s role is to facilitate the embedding of meaningful patient and public involvement in research, the promotion of research activity and the role of patients and public in all aspects of the research process to encourage participation in study trials.
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Stacey Arland
Quality Assurance Manager
Stacey Arland, , R&I Quality Assurance Manager
Stacey graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2005 with a Biomedical Science degree when she then went on to begin her career working as a Quality Assurance Auditor for a pre-clinical contract research organisation. Stacey then moved into the clinical setting fulfilling monitoring and early phase project management roles for commercial clinical trials before returning to quality assurance as Global Quality Manager for a specialist courier supporting the clinical trials industry. Stacey joined the NHS in 2011 as a Research Management and Governance Facilitator for the Trent CLRN before taking up her current role with NUH R&I in December 2012. She brings with her a broad spectrum of experience in research and development and applied regulations (GLP, GCP and GMP/GDP).
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Kate Horton
Office Manager
Kate Horton, R&I Office Manager
Upon her return to the UK after managing an export department and translation service in Italy, Kate specialized in senior PA and Office Manager roles for over a decade working in the private sector in industries such as investment banking and luxury goods. Kate moved over to the public sector in August 2010 to take on the exciting role of PA and Office Manager in Research & Innovation. Amongst recent achievements Kate was instrumental in the move to the Nottingham Integrated Clinical Research Centre and alongside her role as Office Manager Kate is the PA to both Dr. Thomson and Dr. Koufali. Kate also works alongside the Operations Manager in data reporting and is responsible for performance management of the R & I administration team.
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Dr Manjeet Mundey
Research Project Manager
Dr Manjeet Mundey, R&I Research Project Manager
Following a degree in Pharmacology at The University of Dundee, Manjeet went on to complete a PhD in Neuropharmacology at The University of Nottingham. She undertook Postdoctoral Research posts in the School of Life Sciences and The School of Biomedical Sciences where she gained wide-ranging laboratory experience encompassing research in cell lines and tissue samples through to handling of research participant clinical data. Within the postdoctoral posts Manjeet was actively involved in the education and supervision of undergraduates and postgraduate students. In addition much experience was gained in the process of grant applications, the documentation and presentation of the research, followed by the successful publication in several peer reviewed journals.
Manjeet joined NUH R&I in 2009 to join the Research Management and Governance team which offers support and facilitation to researchers conducting clinical research in the NHS. This covers the review of NUH sponsorship applications to maximise opportunities for research delivery and development within NUH. In addition the review of research applications (student, non-commercial and commercial), liaising with funding bodies and NUH support departments to ensure feasibility within the local structures, and that there is effective compliance with the Research Governance Framework and Trust Policy.
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Bejal Gosai
Research Project Manager
Bejal Gosai, R&I Research Manager
Bejal graduated from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in Biomedical Sciences in 2001. After completing her training in diagnostic microbiology she worked as a Research Technician at Leicester University where she undertook laboratory based research in meningitis and ependymal cell damage using a rodent model. This led to the publication of several papers and abstract presentations both nationally and internationally. In 2005, Bejal moved into the field of Diabetes research at the University Hospitals of Leicester, as a Research Assistant. Whilst being part of the Leicestershire Type 2 diabetes screening team she developed clinical skills such as phlebotomy, cannulation, and
ECGs. In 2007, Bejal successfully became Diabetes Junior Research Associate where she gained her experience in project management, protocol writing for diabetes self-management studies and preparing ethics applications. She also became a scientific member of the ethics committee for Leicestershire.In 2009, Bejal joined the Oncology and Haematology Clinical Trials Unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary, where she worked as a Clinical Research Assistant. Her role was to support the day to day running of Phase 1-4 Commercial Clinical trials, including study and data management, liaising with Pharmaceutical company personnel and the submission of documentation to R&D.
Bejal started her post at the NUH Research and Innovation department in 2012 as a Research Project Manager, working alongside the already existing R&I governance team offering project management for NUH research studies from feasibility through to completion.
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Dr Tim Dumbleton
Research Project Manager
Dr Tim Dumbleton, R&I Research Project Manager
Tim graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2003 with a degree in Prosthetics & Orthotics, and remained at the University to complete a PhD in the same subject. He then moved into the NHS in 2007, working as a Health Technology researcher, evaluating specialist hospital equipment and developing buyers’ guides to aid National purchasing decisions for the NHS. In 2010, Tim joined the R&D department at Nottinghamshire County PCT as Research & Evaluation Manager, and was involved in training and supporting researchers in the design of their studies. He was also involved in reviewing research submissions and undertaking service evaluations. In April 2012 Tim joined the R&I department at NUH, as a research Project Manager, providing project management, advice and support on aspects of research governance for NHS research studies.
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Joanne Thornhill
Research Project Manager
Joanne Thornhill, R&I Research Project Manager
Joanne graduated from South Bank University in 2002 with a degree in Psychology and Media Studies. In 2007 Joanne joined the NHS working as a medical secretary for a Community Mental Health Team providing support and care for Elderly People in London. Alongside this she worked towards a MSc in Health Psychology which included carrying out a research project into Nutrition and Quality of Life in the elderly, graduating from the University of Westminster in 2010. In 2011 Joanne started work for the NIHR Stroke Research Network in London developing her skills in setting up NIHR portfolio research studies and providing support to a number of NHS trusts within the
Thames region.Joanne began working for NUH Research & Innovation department in May 2012 alongside the existing governance team and provides ongoing project management of NUH research studies from feasibility through to completion.
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Alison Steel
Research Manager
Alison Steel, R&I Research Manager
Alison qualified as a nurse in 1992 and worked as a staff nurse in the area of Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Cancer before undertaking a BSc (Hons ) degree in Advanced Professional Practice in 2000. She then moved in to the area of research working as a research nurse and study coordinator before joining the City Hospital R&D department in 2004 as R&D Nurse Specialist. Following Trust merger Alison took on the role of Research Governance Advisor and then Research Governance Manager at NUH Acute Trust. Alison joined the R&E team at NHS Nottinghamshire County in 2008 and was responsible for the research management and governance function across the 2 Nottinghamshire PCT’s. She also led on patient and public involvement in research and coordinated the RAVEN (Research Advisors and Volunteers in Nottinghamshire) group of lay members. Alison has recently joined the NUH Research and Innovation department as RM&G Facilitator providing advice and support on all aspects of research governance, study management and the approvals process for non-portfolio studies.
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Shabina Sadiq
Research Project Manager
Shabina Sadiq, Research Project Manager
Shabina graduated from The University of Derby with a degree in Biology. In 2010 and joined The University Hospitals of Leicester as part of the LNR CLRN Research Taskforce as a Clinical Research Assistant where she developed her clinical skills in Phlebotomy, Cannulation and ECGs. She then went on to work for the Oncology & Haematology Clinical Trials Unit as a Cancer Research Assistant where she was working on early phase commercial trials where she took responsibility for the day to day running of studies from data entry through to submitting amendments to the R&D team. In 2012 Shabina joined the NUH Research & Innovation department as Research Project Manager and now works alongside the existing R & I governance team offering ongoing project management of NUH research studies from first feasibility through to completion.
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Amy Grattan
Research Contracts Manager
Amy Grattan, R&I Research Contracts Manager
Amy graduated from De Montfort University with a degree in Law and qualified as a Solicitor with a large regional law firm specialising in medico-legal work. She joined NUH R&I in November 2010. Amy deals with all contracts for commercial and non-commercial studies and DoH grants. Her role is predominantly to review, interpret, draft and amend clauses for Clinical Trial Agreements and associated ancillary agreements such as Material Transfer Agreements, Confidentiality Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding. She is also involved in drafting overarching agreements with service providers and SLA’s with support departments within the Trust. She works closely with the Research and Innovation Finance Team, Governance team, Trent CLRN and University of Nottingham RIS Team.
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Rachael Wilmott
Research Outputs Manager
Rachael Wilmott, Research Outputs Manager
After obtaining qualifications in both Accountancy and IT, Rachael spent the majority of her career working in Service Delivery Management of Financial Systems, primarily with The Boots Company specialising in Problem and Incident Management resolution. Her roles have included Team Management and Technical Support for various computerised systems including Finance systems, EPoS and Customer Relationship Management systems. This work has covered the life cycle of the system, through design, project management, system testing, system support, decommission of legacy systems and data migration. Rachael joined NUH R&D in early 2009 as an Information Co-ordinator with a focus on accurate capture and recording of data.
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Ann Smith
Research Administrator
Ann Smith, R&I Research Administrator
Ann has been part of the Research and Innovation Administration team for over 7 years, processing applications and dealing with incoming enquiries over the phone and by e-mail. Ann is the first point of contact for researchers and is well known for her capable and cheery manner which is always a welcome introduction for researchers. Prior to joining Research and Innovation, Ann served as an administrator for a different public sector organisations.
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Kate Organ
Research Administrator
Kathleen Organ, R&I Research Administrator
Kate Organ has now been with NUH for over 9 years. Kate forms part of the administration team here in Research and Innovation and her time is used predominantly registering new studies, processing amendments and other administration for the governance team. Kate works alongside Ann Smith in acting as the first point of contact for researchers and clinicians and is always available to answer telephone enquiries and emails surrounding the applications’ paperwork.
