Published on: 9 April 2025
One of just a handful of prestigious research leadership positions has been awarded to a Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) Honorary Consultant.
Dr Gary Lamph, who as well as being an Honorary Consultant Nurse (Mental Health) with MPFT is also a Reader in Mental Health Nursing at Keele University has been selected for the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) Nursing Research Leadership Programme. The role will last for three years.
The NIHR programme aims to unlock the potential of senior nurses and midwives, enabling them to further build research capacity and capability within NHS trusts. Dr Lamph’s appointment will enhance mental health and learning disability nursing research at MPFT, complementing the excellent work of Dr Andrew Finney and Professor Sarah Ryan who were awarded NIHR Senior Research Leader awards last year.
Together, they will lead MPFT’s new Clinical Academic Research Academy (CARA) for nurses, advancing the Trust's research agenda. Through CARA, nurses from all fields of practice, with different levels of research experience will have the ability to engage with other clinicians, academics and service users in a supported environment to help them develop their potential.
Dr Lamph said: “I am delighted and honoured to be awarded the NIHR Senior Research Leader role. This presents an exciting opportunity to support and develop the next generation of nursing researchers at MPFT. I look forward to collaborating with colleagues to strengthen our research capacity and improve outcomes for patients through impactful clinical research.”
Ruth Lambley-Burke, Director of Research & Innovation said: “I’d wish to extend my warmest congratulations to Gary for having been chosen by the NIHR for this prestigious role. It’s richly deserved and reflects the leadership Gary has shown in research, alongside his ability to bring fresh ideas and work with others.”