Dr Claire Howard began her career as an Orthoptist and has since taken remarkable strides in the field of clinical research. Her participation in the HEE/NIHR Post-Doctoral Bridging Scheme (2021/2022) proved to be a transformative experience. It enabled her to build essential collaborations, secure research funding, and ultimately, step into a Clinical Research Fellow role at the Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust.
With a strong passion for research capacity building, Claire has also been awarded an NIHR Advanced Clinical and Practitioner Academic Fellowship (ACAF), a prestigious five-year fellowship that will commence in June 2025. This achievement underscores her commitment to advancing clinical research while mentoring and supporting other healthcare professionals on their research journeys.
Impactful Research and Publications
During her Bridging Scheme, Claire focused on increasing her first-author publications, contributing significantly to the field of visual impairment after stroke. Her work includes:
- Howard C, Currie J and Rowe F. UK exceptional case driving application outcomes in post-stroke homonymous hemianopia: results from a clinical study. Disability and Rehabilitation 2022, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09638288.2022.2144488
- Howard C, Knox P, Griffiths H and Rowe F (2022). Measurement of Saccade Parameters in Relation to Adaptation to Homonymous Hemianopia. British and Irish Orthoptic Journal, 18(1), pp.130–143. DOI: http://doi.org/10.22599/bioj.272
These publications provided a strong evidence base for her subsequent ACAF application, helping to shape new interventions for stroke-related visual impairments.
Looking Ahead and Career Aspirations
With a secured five-year research fellowship, Claire aims to:
- Deliver her research programme on time and target
- Expand international collaborations in her field
- Support research capacity building for healthcare professionals
- Establish herself as an independent research leader
Reflecting on her journey, Claire credits the bespoke model of the NHS R&D NW programme for her success. It provided critical leadership support, networking opportunities, and the time to refine her research proposals. Without the Bridging Award, she believes she wouldn’t have reached this stage in her career.
A Message to Future Clinical Researchers
Claire’s story is a testament to the power of structured support, collaboration, and perseverance in research. She hopes that more clinicians will have access to similar opportunities, ensuring that research and innovation continue to transform patient care.
Congratulations, Claire, on your inspiring achievements! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next.