High quality research has a vital role to play in clinical decision-making and practice as well as to inform and underpin healthcare policy. Research capacity in both the NHS and academic settings is recognised as a crucial element for the ongoing development of Nursing and Midwifery as professional disciplines and for positive patient and healthcare system outcomes. There is increasing strategic focus on research capacity building in the nursing, midwifery and allied health professions (NMAHP) across the UK; however, there remains disparity in infrastructure and funding opportunities, which can limit the potential for professional enhancement and patient benefit.

NHS Lothian is recognised as the leading Health Board in Scotland for research capacity building for NMAHPs and has benefited from sustained investment in research leadership roles that has led to a range of innovative capacity building programmes. In this lecture Juliet will reflect on her own capacity building as a nurse researcher and spotlight future research leaders that have benefited from the NHS Lothian initiatives. She will draw on the influences that have shaped her collaborative leadership approach, which are centred on vision, visibility and values.