Justine Smith's research experience

I’m a senior strategic manager in the Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria. I lead communications, patient and public involvement and engagement for the Network, and am the management lead for health services research. I also support creating a culture of continuous/quality improvement in the network.

I have worked in research since I graduated in biomedical science in 1993! I worked in a hospital research lab to start with, then became a research assistant (similar role to a research nurse), then trial coordinator and eventually ran an academic trials unit. I have been with the NIHR since 2008, helping set up research governance systems, improvement processes and now leading on engagement.

I am interested in service co-design, organisational development, and inclusion of under-served communities in research including care home residents, people with learning disabilities and those living in disadvantaged areas.

Professor Yitka Graham's research experience

I am the head of the Helen McArdle Nursing and Care Research Institute and professor of health services research at the University of Sunderland. I have been involved in research for 12 years. My research interests are bariatric surgical care, the stigma of obesity, diabetes and other health conditions, social prescribing and health and care workforce issues.