The University of Essex has been selected to spearhead an ambitious initiative aimed at cultivating the next generation of health and social care researchers in the East of England. This groundbreaking program, known as INSIGHT: Inspiring Students into Research, is part of a £34.9 million national scheme funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The initiative seeks to address the critical need for increased research capacity in the health and social care sector across England.
As the lead organization for the East of England region, the University of Essex will collaborate closely with its partner institution, the University of Hertfordshire, to offer 90 research training masters places over a three-year period. This significant investment in research education represents a transformative opportunity for health and social care practitioners in the region to explore and develop their research skills, potentially shaping their future careers and contributing to the advancement of healthcare practices.
Professor Fay Crawford from Essex's School of Health and Social Care, who is leading the project, emphasized the unprecedented nature of this research training opportunity. She highlighted its potential to significantly enhance research capacity in health and social care across the region, ultimately benefiting service users and improving health and wellbeing outcomes for residents and workers in the East of England. The program aims to inspire recent graduates and current practitioners in healthcare professions (excluding doctors and dentists), social work, and public health to consider a career in health and care research.
The INSIGHT scheme goes beyond just offering masters studentships; it also funds engagement activities designed to introduce students to the wide-ranging benefits of health and care research. This comprehensive approach aims to spark interest and excitement about research careers among students early in their professional journeys. The masters studentships offered through the program can be undertaken either full-time or part-time over a two-year period, providing flexibility to accommodate the diverse needs of potential participants.
The initiative's first cohort is set to commence in September 2024, marking the beginning of what promises to be a transformative period for health and social care research in the East of England. By focusing on developing research skills among a diverse range of health and social care professionals, the program aims to create a robust pipeline of researchers who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to addressing healthcare challenges.
Professor Waljit Dhillo, Dean of the NIHR Academy, underscored the importance of early exposure to research in building capacity within health and social care. He expressed enthusiasm about the program's potential to offer over 300 funded research masters places annually across England, along with engagement activities that could captivate students' imaginations at an early stage in their careers. This national initiative reflects a strategic commitment to nurturing a culture of research and innovation within the health and social care sector.
The selection of the University of Essex as the regional lead for this prestigious program highlights the institution's strong reputation in health and social care education and research. It also underscores the university's commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in these critical fields. As the program unfolds, it is expected to not only enhance the research capabilities of individual practitioners but also contribute significantly to the overall quality and effectiveness of health and social care services in the East of England and beyond.
