Clinical research nurses play a vital role in delivering clinical studies, supporting patients and helping to advance healthcare through research. Opportunities for professional development are essential in equipping research staff with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver high-quality research.
As part of the NIHR Gamechanger series, we are celebrating Ednah and Faatima, two research nurses at the Bradford and West Yorkshire Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC), who are developing their expertise through postgraduate study supported by funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Read there stories below.
Ednah’s story
Ednah is one of the Renal Research Nurses at the Bradford and West Yorkshire Commercial Delivery Centre. She recently began a postgraduate diploma after receiving bursary funding from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to support her studies.
Ednah began her nursing career in 2008, training as a registered nurse in Botswana, where she later qualified as a family nurse practitioner. In 2021, she moved to the UK and worked in haemodialysis for more than two years. Haemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for people with kidney failure, and it was during this time that she became a renal research nurse.
Ednah enjoys working in research because it allows her to support patients throughout their treatment while also contributing to discoveries that can improve and extend lives.
In 2025, Ednah chose to undertake the Postgraduate Diploma in Health and Clinical Research Delivery through part-time distance learning at the University of Sheffield. The two-year course is supported by NIHR bursary funding. After completing the diploma, there is also an opportunity to progress to master’s level, subject to application and funding.
Ednah said:
“The funding from the NIHR has allowed me to undertake the postgraduate diploma. This has enabled me to build a strong foundation in research and develop my practical skills, such as patient recruitment, trial management and research ethics. This combination of practical and academic development strengthens my contribution to research delivery. Due to the funding from the NIHR I am able to strengthen my knowledge”.
She added:
“I genuinely find the research nurse role inspiring. I particularly value that the role combines direct patient care with the opportunity to contribute to the development of future treatments, learn about emerging trends, and work collaboratively with different teams and departments.”
Faatima’s story
Faatima is a Respiratory Research Nurse at the Bradford and West Yorkshire Commercial Research Delivery Centre (CRDC). Last year, she began a Master’s degree funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Faatima has taken an unconventional route into nursing. In 2010, she began her career working in administration at a GP surgery before moving to Bradford Royal Infirmary, where she worked as a Team Leader and Medical Secretary.
In 2019, she completed an Access to Nursing course, achieving a distinction. She then began nursing school in 2020 and graduated with a first-class degree in 2023. Following graduation, she started her research career as a Respiratory Research Nurse at the Bradford and West Yorkshire CRDC.
Faatima enjoys working in research because it allows her to contribute directly to improving patient care through clinical studies.
She decided to undertake a Master’s degree in Health Research to strengthen her understanding and application of research methodology, enabling her to support studies to the highest possible standard. Thanks to NIHR funding, she has been able to continue her professional development while pursuing a career she is passionate about.
Faatima said:
“Thanks to the funding provided by the NIHR, I have been able to start my Master’s programme. I have developed key skills, including a greater understanding of research governance and legislation, research design, and data collection processes. These skills enable me to provide better informed, evidence-based care to patients participating in research
The combination of practical and academic development has strengthened my contribution to the research delivery team and enabled me to offer more specialised knowledge.”
To find out more about the opportunities and support available through the NIHR, visit:
