We are pleased to share the next edition of our SPCR Researcher Spotlight series, featuring two of our researchers, Dr. Kelly Birtwell from the University of Manchester and Dr. Ben Fletcher from the University of Birmingham. This series highlights the impact of continued SPCR research capacity and development funding since it's introduction in 2010.
Building research independence: how SPCR funding transformed a mindfulness researcher’s career
Dr. Kelly Birtwell, a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Manchester’s Centre for Primary Care & Health Services Research, has explored mindfulness research with support from the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR). Her work focuses on adapting mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to better serve underserved populations, particularly individuals from socioeconomically deprived areas. Dr. Birtwell has identified key factors—such as cultural relevance, health literacy, and practical accessibility—that influence the effectiveness of MBIs in these communities. Her research aims to inform the development of more inclusive and effective mindfulness programs, thereby addressing health disparities and promoting mental well-being across diverse populations.
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"Funding from SPCR has been integral to my research career. Prior to my PhD, I received SPCR seed corn funding which allowed me to write up papers –publishing research from my MSc and PGDip courses and prepare a competitive PhD funding application. As a result of this, I secured an SPCR-funded studentship at the University of Manchester. The studentship introduced me to the SPCR community, which has had a huge impact on my career. I was new to primary care research and being part of this community opened up a whole new world, allowing me to learn from senior clinical and non-clinical academics, as well as my direct peers and researchers at all career stages." |
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"From the annual trainee events and masterclasses I learned about topics outside my discipline that are important across primary care, as well as a range of research methods and patient and public involvement and engagement work (PPIE). This opened my eyes to new possibilities and helped me to think of applying different methods to my work and exploring new topics. PhDs can be isolating at times, so being part of this community, connecting with others, and sharing the journey with my fellow SPCR-funded PhD researchers was hugely important." |
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Bridging academia and policy: gaining global perspective through SPCR-funded fellowships
Dr. Ben Fletcher's, academic journey was shaped by funding from the NIHR School for Primary Care Research (SPCR). In 2010 he was awarded an NIHR Methods Fellowship at the University of Birmingham, during which he focused on enhancing recruitment strategies for clinical trials and completed a Master's in Public Health. He was then awarded a SPCR studentship in 2013 based at the University of Oxford looking at self-monitoring in hypertension. Ben was awarded seed corn funds in 2016 which helped him successfully apply for a SPCR Launching Fellowship, furthering his research career. His work, has informed health policy and improved patient outcomes.
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"Both of the awards I received from the SPCR set me up well for my post-graduate career in academia and moving on to work for NICE. The skills I developed through these opportunities provided me with knowledge and skills that are valued both within academia and beyond. The additional benefits of being |
| "Certainly, as a student, the SPCR environment encouraged collegiality. The Launching Fellowship allowed me time to consolidate my DPhil work and work on planning my future research activities. I was not aware of many other opportunities of this type that were available at the time that supported the transition from a doctoral student to becoming an independent researcher. The application process focussed more on the individual and their merits, rather than having a particularly polished research idea, and again this differed from other potential funding opportunities where the research itself was prioritised.” | |
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