Inspired by the INSIGHT programme? Hear first-hand from students continuing their research studies

Holly Whitcomb

Physiotherapist, University of Southampton

Research project: “Farmers don’t go to doctors; they don’t ask for help - a mixed methods analysis of the experiences and perceived barriers to health care access of UK famers with chronic low back pain.” 

“My MRes project explored farmers' experiences with low back pain. Inspired by research emerging from Canada, I was eager to gain deeper experience in rural health research methodologies. I applied to the Society for Back Pain Research travel fellowship and was awarded fully-funded support to visit the Canadian Centre for Rural and Agricultural Research in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

During this fellowship, I developed invaluable skills that directly transferred to my MRes project, particularly in recruitment strategies for hard-to-reach populations, community co-production approaches, and engaging farmers and rural communities in research.

The experience also provided eye-opening insights into the differences between agricultural practices and healthcare provision in the UK versus Saskatchewan, such as the Virtual Health hub equipped to serve Indigenous and First Nations communities often hours away from the nearest city. I even got to sit in a tractor simulator looking at the impact harvesting has on the shoulder complex! 

I returned feeling inspired and equipped to advance my own research. I partnered with the NFU and NFU Mutual to deliver knowledge mobilisation sessions while simultaneously recruiting participants for my project. This year has been transformative, and I'm deeply grateful for the opportunity the fellowship provided and the funding from SCIP.” 

Holly has been successful in her PhD fellowship application and is due to start her PhD studies in 2026. 

Catherine Lodwick

Nurse, University of Southampton

Research project: “Self-Management Support for Co-existing Physical and Mental Long-Term Conditions Exploring Inequalities and Tailoring Approaches”

“The SCIP Programme has been a defining part of my academic and professional journey this year. The opportunities provided have enhanced my confidence, mentorship and platform to grow as both a researcher and advocate.

I am fortunate to be supervised by Professor Mari Carmen Portillo and Dr Leire Ambrosio, whose guidance has continued as I progress into my PhD at the University of Southampton. My doctoral research builds directly on my masters completed this year which I am now preparing to publish.

During my time on the programme, I was honoured to be named a finalist in the 2025 Picker Experience Network Awards for the Student Advocate of Tomorrow. This recognition meana a great deal to me, as it reflects my passion for improving service user experiences and system wide health and social care. Another highlight has been speaking at the NHS Mental Health Nursing Symposium, where I joined my previous nursing faculty to discuss the importance of dual-qualification nurses and how this perspective shapes my approach to research and practice.

SCIP has also opened doors to sharing my research more widely. I was invited to guest lecture on my research topic and following encouraging feedback I have been invited back this academic year to continue engaging with students and staff.

Looking back, the SCIP programme did not just support my studies, it helped shape my identity as a researcher committed to tacking inequalities, promoting integration across mental and physical healthcare and giving a voice to those seldom heard.”

Catherine has been successful in her South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership PhD fellowship application and is due to start her PhD studies in Autumn 2025. 

Sabrina Dawkins

Nurse, University of Portsmouth 

Research project: “Regulating Aesthetics: Stakeholder Perspectives on Patient Safety, Professional Standards and the Future of Non-Surgical Cosmetic Regulation in England”

her stakeholders to explore how we can strengthen patient safety and professional standards in the non-surgical cosmetic sector. My aim was to generate evidence that informs fair and consistent regulation while supporting the integrity of aesthetic medicine. 

I am honoured that my findings are set to be used as evidence by the regulatory committee to guide improvements in forthcoming cosmetic regulation in the United Kingdom and that my contribution to Aesthetic Medicine has been recognised through a Research Contribution Award finalist nomination by the British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN).

Receiving this recognition for my research reinforces my commitment to advancing patient safety, professional standards, and evidence-based policy within aesthetic medicine ensuring the sector continues to evolve responsibly and ethically. I hope this research is only the beginning of a lifelong career in creating a safer non-surgical cosmetic sector for the public. 

In terms of future developments in my career, I would love to continue to publish in Academic Journals and I hope to pursue a PhD and am applying for an NIHR doctoral award. If this isn’t possible, I hope to be able to achieve a PhD by publication via Portsmouth University- I think it’s great to have a variety of options to pursue in order to achieve future aspirations.”

Sabrina has been successful in generating research that is directly informing UK sector regulation. Sabrina is working with her supervisory team to prepare a PhD funding application for 2026. 

Hayley Dodman 

Podiatrist, University of Southampton

Research project: “Breaking the Cycle: Exploring the Interplay Between Diabetic Foot Ulceration, Physical Activity, and Cardiovascular Health” 

"I am currently developing a PhD proposal, aiming to apply to the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP). I am continuing to work with my MRes supervisor and the Long-Term Conditions research group as I build upon the knowledge and support gained through my MRes and progress my PhD application. I also intend to publish my research and am preparing a full manuscript for submission to the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. 

As part of my research project whilst on SCIP, I collaborated with Diabetes UK and nationwide community groups to support research and outreach. I really enjoyed this aspect of the work, and it reinforced to me the importance of Patient and Public involvement and Engagement. Consequently, I was invited to be a co-applicant for a research grant that builds upon this. If successful, I hope to continue this work, taking on a research assistant role, whilst also supporting PPIE that will strengthen my PhD proposal. 

I’m now actively pursuing a research career focused on diabetes, cardiovascular health, and community engagement.”

Hayley has successfully submitted a research grant and plans to take up a research assistant role. Hayley is working with her supervisory team to prepare a PhD funding application for 2026. 

To find out more about the INSIGHT scheme in the south central region click here.

To find out about opportunities in the south west central region, click here. 

For general information from the NIHR, click here.