Clare Moody - Regional Lead Research Radiographer

What stage of your research career are you currently at, and what are your research interests?
I am an early career researcher, completing an Mres with distinction in 2025.  I lead a Radiology Research team at Newcastle Hospitals NHS Trust and I’m the NENC regional lead research radiographer covering all 8 NHS Trusts in the Northeast and North Cumbria.  My research interest is the barriers and enablers to Radiology-led research.

How did you get into research?
I have been qualified as a radiographer for 27 years, with 26 of these spent at Newcastle Hospitals. I was a dedicated research radiographer for 15 years gaining a portfolio of skills and expertise. Newcastle University had a PET/CT scanner used for patients on clinical trials so as part of my research radiographer role I took on the responsibility of being the radiographer for this team.  I’m never one to shy away from learning so in 2017 I completed a PGDip in Nuclear Medicine to fully understand my research work in PET/CT.  For the last 6 years I have worked full time as Lead Research Radiographer where I currently line manage a Radiology research team and I am also the Lead Research Radiographer for the Northeast and North Cumbria Imaging Academy.

I’m currently serving my third term for the Department of Health and Social Care as a member of the Administration of Radioactive Substance Advisory committee (ARSAC). This is a prestigious role as the only AHP in a UK wide committee of 20 people. The weekly role is assessing research applications that request the use of radioactive substances. I am also the ARSAC representative on the Society of Radiographers Nuclear Medicine Advisory Committee.

What do you enjoy about research?
I am interested in understanding how things work within a radiology department and how processes and patient pathways could be improved. I enjoy simply looking at everyday processes and thinking what am I doing, why am I doing it and how could I make this better. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and supporting other Radiographers to grow and expand their roles to include more research, demystifying what research in radiology can look like.

What challenges do you face as a researcher?
Time is the biggest challenge for every researcher, closely followed by funding and support.  Research is never a quick process, every aspect takes time, patience is needed.  Being unsuccessful in grant applications is a blow to your confidence, being resilient, taking on feedback and re-applying is the key to overcoming this challenge.

What difference has your research training and experience made to your career?
Since I became a research radiographer my career just keeps on growing and becoming more interesting.  Gaining research knowledge and being able to share that with others feels great.  I have presented at many regional, national and international radiology conferences but my real highlights are when I’ve helped a first-time researcher present at their first conference.

What do you think is the greatest misconception about clinical academia?
I hear so many voices in Radiology think research is too hard or simply not part of their job role- this is the biggest misconception! Research in Radiology is everyone’s job and it affects us all in ways you possibly don’t realise.  Clinical academia is not just office based and research doesn’t have to be intimidating or complex; it can begin with something simple that you genuinely care about improving.

What has made a difference to progressing your research career?
I have been very fortunate to work with a team that has supported me with funding and support over many years.  I have created a network of support from different institutions where varied advice and guidance is always at hand.  I quickly learned that ‘you don’t know what you don’t know’ so keep enquiring, asking questions and seeking advice.