We provide researchers and life sciences companies with the practical support they need to plan, set up and deliver high-quality research in both the NHS and the wider health and social care environment across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

We support research in 30 health specialities and also social care research and public health research in a range of innovative and exciting new settings such as local authorities, schools, and care homes.   

Research Delivery Managers

Our Research Delivery Managers manage the delivery of a specific set of studies relating to a particular specialty or specialties. A list of our Research Delivery Managers and their specialties can be found on our specialties page. 

Study Support Service for life sciences

If you are from a life sciences company contact our Industry Operations Manager James Porreca via crnkss.studysupport@nihr.ac.uk


Trainee Networks

Gastroenterology trainee network

GET LINKED to KSS is a gastroenterology trainee network set up in July 2020. Kent, Surrey and Sussex (KSS) is a large deanery with a diverse group of district hospitals and university hospitals. The trainee network was set up to link gastroenterology trainees in KSS Deanery to collaborate on quality improvement projects and research ideas. This aims to give rise to stronger research based projects and quality improvement projects/audits that can be carried out on a wider scale.

Trainees will gain opportunities to present their work at local, regional, and international forums, gain experience and training in research and QIPs as well as network with peers. The network has also created a hub for education through links to educational material, online webinars, and is partnering with other organisers for regular online webinars tailored to gastroenterology trainee needs.

  • Chair: Dr. Flora Kokwaro (IFU Fellow St. Mark’s Hospital)
  • Co-Chair: Dr . Jennifer Fisher (ST5)
  • Secretary Dr. Olaolu Olabintan (ST4 Dartford and Gravesham Hospitals)
  • Project manager: Dr. Rafid Sikafi (ST6 St. Mary’s Hospital London)

Find GET LINKED TO KSS online and follow them on Twitter #getlinkedtokss

 


Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) in research

We can help you with involving members of the public with your research, whether you are a researcher new to public involvement in research, or you have experience and are looking to update and ‘refresh’ your knowledge and skills. 

How do I involve members of the public in my research?

Involvement - where members of the public are actively involved in research projects and in research organisations.

Examples of public involvement are:

  • as joint grant holders or co-applicants on a research project
  • identifying research priorities
  • as members of a project advisory or steering group
  • commenting and developing patient information leaflets or other research materials
  • undertaking interviews with research participants
  • user and/or carer researchers carrying out the research.

Why involve members of the public in research?

Several funding bodies, as well as research ethics committees ask grant applicants about their plans for public involvement with an expectation that if they are not involving members of the public in the research then they need to have thought through why they have made this decision and explain the reasons.

Involving members of the public in research provides practical benefits including:

  • providing a different perspective
  • improving the quality of the research
  • making the research more relevant

For more information, or advice on how to involve members of the public in your research project, please contact our Study Support team.

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