Details of any grant/funding connected with the research

This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No: 825722 and is also supported by the Public Health Agency Research and Development Division in Northern Ireland. 

Further information about the study can be found here: https://diadic.eu 

What is your ideal Research outcome?

Ideally this project will lead to multiple outcomes.  These will include high-quality research papers published in peer-reviewed, scientific journals and conference presentations.  Ultimately, our preferred outcome would be to provide information which leads to the development of evidence-based and cost-effective supportive services to help people with advanced cancer and their family caregivers cope with the illness.     

Principal Investigator: Professor Kevin Brazil

Why did you choose your current post and why at Queen’s? 

I chose my current post as Research Fellow as I am a Health Services Researcher with an interest in developing services for people with advanced Cancer and providing evidence based palliative care.  The DIAdIC study is a multi-centre randomised controlled trial and the opportunity to work on a large study with colleagues in the United Kingdom and other European countries was also very attractive. 

How have you been supported at Queen’s?

Queen’s has supported me by providing opportunities to teach, write grants, write academic papers, attend conferences and provides access to training opportunities for continuing professional development.  

In what ways have you developed at Queen’s?

I have had the opportunity to work on many Health Services Research studies with a wide range of client groups.  I have had opportunities to teach and develop leadership skills.  During my time at Queen's, I have also been supported to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Social Research Methods and a part-time PhD.   

Can you describe the postdoctoral community in the School and at Queen’s? 

The postdoctoral community in School of Nursing and Midwifery is very supportive and the School provides an excellent environment for postdoctoral staff to develop. 

Where do you hope your current post will lead?

I would like to develop a researcher career based on improving the experience of people receiving palliative care. 

Anything else you would like to add or advice to new Postdocs?  

Be open to opportunities within the University – look beyond your immediate project.   

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