A podiatry academic from the University of Plymouth has been awarded a sought-after Clinical Trials Fellowship from the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR).
Dr Joanne Paton, Podiatrist in the School of Health Professions, was one of only six academics nationally to receive the fellowship, after submitting a successful joint application with Peninsula Clinical Trials Unit (PenCTU) in Plymouth.
The fellowships are designed to support existing NIHR Trainees with an interest in, and experience of, working with clinical trials. Dr Paton is currently an NIHR Clinical Academic Research Fellow and leads the Balance Enhancement, Ulcer Prevention (BEUP) research group at the University; the work of which is focused on improving the foot health outcomes of people with diabetes and neuropathy. The group has particular expertise in the development and evaluation of insoles for people with diabetes at increased risk of developing a foot ulceration or experiencing a fall.
Her next step will see her based at PenCTU working across several trials, including those involving complex interventions, in order to experience all aspects of the trials’ design and delivery.
Dr Paton, who will also concurrently complete a training programme as part of the fellowship, said:
“I am so pleased that PenCTU and I have received this fellowship and am very much looking forward to working with them. It’s a really exciting opportunity to be involved in number of different studies and learn more about clinical trials as a whole.”
Siobhan Creanor, Associate Professor and Director of PenCTU, said:
"The aim of NIHR Clinical Trials Fellowships is to develop skills and experience across the life cycle of high-quality clinical trials, and it’s great that we’re able to work with Joanne in achieving this. The PenCTU has expertise in developing, supporting and coordinating multi-centre clinical trials and other well-designed studies, and works with research networks and key partners to deliver the full spectrum of clinical trial expertise across the South West Peninsula, so Joanne will gain knowledge on a huge variety of different studies.”
