SPCR Researcher Spotlight | Dr Ali Albasri and Dr Cini Bhanu

The funding I received to conduct both my doctoral studies and my post-doctoral research position at the University of Oxford was crucial for my career development, and being part of the SPCR greatly enhanced this. It meant I was able to learn from a wide range of academics at world leading institutions in a way that would not have been possible without being part of the SPCR family 

The work the school does to ensure best practice is shared, and that all members of the school feel connected to each other, is evident to see, and I certainly benefitted from that.

The SPCR also provided opportunities for me to give back, while also benefitting from unique opportunities within the school. 

For instance, the opportunity to be part of the SPCR clinical trial monitoring committee allowed me to gain value experience in the mechanics behind running clinical trials across nine of the top research institutions in the country. At the same time, I was able to contribute to keeping trials on track and evaluating their progress through assessment of their various milestones.

Being part of the SPCR community also gave me a platform to easily collaborate with researchers from
other universities with similar interests to me. Without the SPCR network, I would not have been able to set up a special interest group (related to the management of long-term conditions) with researchers from four different institutions, where we were able to combine expertise to submit more competitive grant applications.”

The SPCR academic clinical fellowship (ACF) award was critical to starting out my career in academic general practice – building research skills, working within a primary care department and allowing me to do a part-time Masters’; all led to a successful doctoral fellowship straight after.

The bridging fellowship ensured I was funded following my PhD onto a clinical lectureship without gaps. Have greatly benefited from training meetings during my ACF; have use training resources online.

In order to prepare for my clinical lectureship, I used the stats one-to-one service offered; it allowed me to expand my networks across UK – I linked up with SPCR Exeter member department to collaborate on my topic area (postural hypotension); I have linked up with other early career researchers (ECRs) and also received mentoring support from seniors.

I have also taken up co-training lead for UCL which has given me insight into research management, running capacity building activities and supporting colleagues.”