Case study: South London research practitioner urges people to join the NIHR

A research practitioner is urging NHS colleagues to consider a career with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to better patients' lives.

The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

Prince Neil Songsong works as a Clinical Research Practitioner in the Skin Therapy Research Unit at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust.

The Clinical Research Practitioner said nothing brings him greater joy than to see people's lives transformed through research. He said:

"To be a research practitioner is both a career and a responsibility. I chose this career because I know it will broaden my mind, and doing research expands my vision and knowledge. It's a joy to see a patient's journey and witness how their quality of life improves through our care and research.

"The role of research is to seek new treatments and get a deeper understanding of the potential side effects of new medicines and how to alleviate these effects. I am passionate about research because I have met various individuals involved in research and seen how their condition improved with the help of new trials. Eventually, the treatments become available to the wider population.

"Research is a career you should consider; it is evolving, it has a diverse community, and a research career is fun. If you are seeking a new challenge in your career, my message to colleagues is to join us!"

The NIHR's Your Path in Research campaign highlights how people can make research part of their career. Find out more on the NIHR's website.