Spotlight: Finance and Data Administrator Tom Koscinski
National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) CRN South London’s new Finance and Data Administrator, Tom Koscinski, wants to use his numerical skills to help support vital health research. Tom also spoke about his growing interest in film and his hopes for the future.
The aim of this monthly spotlight blog series is to celebrate, highlight, educate and inform the public about the diverse range of people who support vital research studies from within our region. We are proud of everyone who plays their part in contributing to improving the health of the population.
What do you do?
I am a Finance and Data Administrator for CRN South London. My role involves being responsible for quarterly payments to our providers; dealing with any queries; double checking quarterly returns from our NHS hospital partners; and supporting the Network’s leadership team with our financial planning and forecasting.
How would you describe yourself?
Former colleagues would describe me as a helpful and cheerful person. I love to get stuck into projects, and my flair is for dealing with numbers. I’m a reliable, approachable and conscientious person who loves to learn.
Why did you join CRN South London?
I joined CRN South London in May of this year because of my belief in the importance of health research and the need to support researchers in improving healthcare and treatments for all. The Network has given me a great opportunity to utilise my numerical skills within its day-to-day operations. I worked previously for two years at the English National Opera where I led on payroll and general finance.
What are you interested in?
I have spent every possible moment during lockdown in the garden planting fruit and vegetables, as well as undertaking DIY projects to improve the garden. I love using my GoPro action camera whilst out exploring new locations, and learning how to edit video is one of my main areas of interest. YouTube’s travel videos have also given me some filming tips and some ideas about where to go on holiday when international travel returns to normal.
Why are you involved in research?
Research helps to develop revolutionary and effective treatments, such as through the discovery of new technology, which enables our patients to receive the highest possible standard of care. Without clinical trials and studies, medicine wouldn’t be able to progress and clinicians would not be able to change people’s lives for the better.
Why is research important?
I believe that research is integral to the improvement of patient care, and new discoveries help to support the work the NHS does on a daily basis by delivering innovative ways of diagnosis and the prevention of illness. For example, the COVID-19 vaccine trials, supported by this CRN, which led to the regulator the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency approving four vaccines so far for use in the UK population, are providing society with a way back to something like normal life.
It is crucial that as many people as possible are given the opportunity to take part in research in what is an ever changing world. I would encourage patients, carers and members of the public to visit the NIHR’s Be Part of Research website to find out about the latest health and social care research that is taking place across the country.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
