Nicky Cunningham's research experience

I am an associate research delivery manager and lead nurse for the NENC CRN, as well as senior nurse research lead for South Tees Hospitals Foundation Trust and a visiting research fellow at the University of Sunderland.

I have been nursing for 33 years, 24 years working within clinical research. I have held many roles in research nursing as well as senior lecturer in research methodology, clinical trials unit manager and project manager as well as a co-applicant researcher and nurse, midwife and allied health professional (NMAHP) engagement lead. Clinical specialties I have worked in include cardiovascular, HIV and macular degeneration research.

My real passion is in supporting nurses, midwives and allied health professionals to get engaged with research to improve practice and outcomes for patients. In my role as a research delivery manager I cover the specialties of stroke, renal and urology. diabetes, metabolic and endocrine disorders and cardiovascular diseases. I also run the #SteesBeCurious hashtag on Twitter!

Dr Salman Razvi's research experience

I have been a consultant endocrinologist in Gateshead since 2007 and a senior clinical lecturer at Newcastle University. Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust provides the necessary framework to be able to help patients feel the best they possibly can. I have a special interest in the management of thyroid disorders and I lead various research projects relating to thyroid diseases.

In 2013, I successfully secured an NIHR career development fellowship (CDF) award. The CDF had a significant and measurable impact on the quality and quantity of my research output. This was due to the shift in my focus from purely NHS work to being a clinical academic. I am also involved in supporting research activity and delivery at a local and regional level in my role as research and development director at Gateshead Health NHS Trust and also the lead for metabolic and endocrine research in the Local Clinical Research Network. I sit on the executive committee of the British Thyroid Association, a professional organisation promoting research and interest in thyroidology.