Jen McAnnff

I completed an NIHR/HEE Clinical Doctoral Research Fellowship at Newcastle University. Joining an expert team of neurodisability researchers was a fantastic opportunity to build on my career as a senior allied health professional leading a children’s occupational therapy service. Throughout the Fellowship I completed a wide range of practical and theoretical training, all directly relevant to my clinical leadership role. I went on to use my new knowledge and skills working with NICE on national projects to implement childhood neurodisability guidelines.

The Fellowship has enabled me to develop as a clinical academic. Since completing it, I have led two follow-up research funding applications as Primary Investigator – one successful and one under review. I am also a co-investigator on two further NIHR-funded studies, all contributing vital multidisciplinary evidence towards services and support for children and young people affected by neurodisability.