Trials in vascular access: a conversation with the clinical research project manager – Kidney Research UK

Thank you for speaking to us Clare, could you explain your role in research and how it impacts the projects that we fund?

I often describe myself as the glue that holds all the different stakeholders in research projects together, helping to navigate the chief investigator through any issues that arise as the trial gets up and running and after it has concluded. I work with the research teams, the hospitals, sponsors and charitable organisations like Kidney Research UK to bring the project together.

My main responsibility is to support the chief investigator who oversees the design and conduct of the project. I am a step removed from the practical research itself, but like any job you get to know a lot more about the fascinating work that is being undertaken.

Even after the trial has concluded I am still working with the team to make sure the trial closes successfully, so I get to see the project all the way through from start to finish.

Essentially, I have to be a good communicator, a problem solver and an intermediator all in one.