The Early researcher – Katherine Combe

An academic career as a researcher requires success in generating income from research grants, and carrying out research which generates real world impact. As a novice researcher the pathway to success is often confusing and requires guidance and support in order to navigate and make sense of the network of grant funding bodies, journals for publication of manuscripts, research methods and training opportunities and research networks that exist.

Having started at the university in 2019, it became quickly apparent that research was not only important but an expected part of the role of lecturer. Already having a passion for child psychology and maternal health after completing my MSc, engagement with likeminded experienced researchers within the university was the obvious next step to continue my research journey.

Firstly, it was important to align my interests with that of an experienced and embedded researcher that was already established within the university. Having undertaken a systematic review with Professor Mark Hayter and Dr Amanda Lee and other members of the university lecturering team. I was now ready to be a part of a research project based on my own research preferences (maternal and child health). I also wanted to the ability to follow the research from an early stage through to writing up findings for publication.

Thanks to a supportive introduction I was put into contact with Professor Lesley Smith, who was leading CHAMPION - AlCohol HArM PreventIOn iN pregnancy. A research study funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) under its Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) Programme. Lesley had not only taken me onboard for the Champion project she has also supported my development of undertaking a literature review systematically, which is underpinning workshops with midwives and maternity service users to co-create interventions to support midwifes in delivering alcohol assessment and advice during antenatal care.

Through this engagement and support, I am now developing my own perspectives for future research questions building on the work being undertaken in the Champion project. I am now able to support new members of staff to develop their research skills, and I have already been fortunate to undertake an oral presentation at the Public Health England research conference, and I and the Champion team are on course to publish the first output from the project.

If you are just starting out on the research journey, don’t be put off by the network of research unknowns, there is always an experienced and supportive member of academia ready to pass on their knowledge and expertise to the next generation of early researchers.