Growing research capacity

Starting in October 2019, Professors Alison Richardson and Cathy Bowen devised a strategy to meet one of ARC Wessex primary goals –growing the number of skilled and experienced health and care researchers in Wessex.

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Cathy Bowen brought in Dr Kinda Ibrahim to help her lead the Academic Career Development team. Their vision was to work with partners to grow the research talents of health and care professionals and other professions. 

Over seven years, this collaboration has awarded 117 internships, 8 PhD fellowships and supported 29 post-doctoral researchers – reaching across the health and care sectors, professions and different backgrounds.

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“Every step in academic career development is a step toward shaping the future of healthcare. At NIHR ARC Wessex we introduced a programme of awards to ignite curiosity, nurture talent, and empower individuals to turn ideas into breakthroughs that transform lives. Thank you for collaborating with us—together, we have created lasting impact.”  

Professor Alison Richardson ARC Wessex Director

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“Through strategic investment in people and ideas, it has been a privilege to support the development of the next generation of health and care researchers, driving change that will define the future of care and improving patient outcomes across our region.” 

Professor Cathy Bowen Lead for Academic Career Development

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“Growing the internship programme has been one of the most rewarding parts of my role. I’ve seen how a small amount of funding can open doors, spark confidence, and completely change someone’s career trajectory. It’s not just about individual growth. Host organisations have integrated evidence-based approaches into everyday workflows, turning research insights into practical changes that improve care and efficiency. Watching those journeys unfold reminds me why investing in people is the most powerful way to drive change.” 

Dr Kinda Ibrahim, Deputy Lead for Academic Career Development

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