We are pleased to announce that NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre has been awarded funding through the 2024 NIHR Infrastructure/School Pre-Application Support Fund. The application, led by Professor Omar Mahroo, focused on career development for 3 core underrepresented groups in ophthalmic research: nursing, visual electrophysiology, and paediatric ophthalmology.
After a successful application in October 2024, the funding opportunity was promoted within the 3 targeted departments, in line with our commitment to supporting talent development across clinical specialities. We awarded funding to 7 individuals. These awards cover the period FY24–26, providing recipients with protected time of one day per week for six to twelve months. This additional support will better equip candidates to prepare a competitive application for an NIHR career development award.
Shaun Leo, Clinical Scientist at the Electrophysiology Department
“I love my role as a clinical scientist in visual electrophysiology within the NHS, but my ambition is to pursue a PhD and to develop my career in clinical research. With support from the NIHR Infrastructure/School Pre-Application fund, sponsored by NIHR Moorfields BRC, I have dedicated time to advance my research and prepare a competitive application for an NIHR Doctoral Fellowship”
In addition to protected research time, recipients also have access to dedicated funds for training and to undertake Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) activities. Awardees are also being mentored by our experts in their fields, including Professor Omar Mahroo, Professor Anthony Robson (electrophysiology), Dr Roxanne Crosby-Nwaobi (nursing), and Dr Annegret Dahlmann-Noor (paediatrics).
Awareees include:
Anne-Marie Hinds
Grace Eni
Meei Fang Wong
Nicola Dunlop
Paulo Dominic Pengson
Rebecca Baker
Shaun Leo
This award reflects our ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a inclusive research culture within ophthalmology.
Meei Fang Wong, Specialist Orthoptist
“Being selected for the award is a fantastic opportunity. I am excited to contribute to advancing the field for the benefit of patients, and I am truly grateful for the support!”
Paulo Dominic Pengson, Band 5 Nurse at Accident and Emergency Department
“This opportunity has been a significant milestone in my academic journey, providing both the structure and encouragement needed to develop a competitive research proposal for a future PhD. As someone deeply passionate about improving patient care through innovation, the fund has given me the space and support to explore the intersection of ophthalmology and artificial intelligence in greater depth.”