Taking Pride in Research – A blog by Adam Unsworth

In celebration of Manchester Pride this weekend (Friday 23 August to Monday 26 August), Adam Unsworth, Senior Clinical Trials Coordinator shares his varied research career journey and why he feels valued to be his authentic self at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT).

---

Having worked at the NHS for 20 years, I have experienced many roles throughout this period including Clinical Trials Assistant, Clinical Trials Coordinator and Operational Manager. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to operate at a national level while working for our hosted National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network Greater Manchester. For me, this provided a useful insight into the national picture of how research is delivered across the UK.

My current post in research began in March 2024, and I am now in my new role of Senior Clinical Trials Coordinator based at Wythenshawe Hospital and North Manchester General Hospital, supporting the delivery of our respiratory research portfolio across the Trust.

Before applying for this role, I had time to reflect on my personal motivations and job satisfaction. I asked myself a few questions – Where did I enjoy working? Where did I feel part of a team? Where would I be valued for being my authentic self? For me, the answer was MFT.

Celebrating Pride, highlighting inclusion

As we mark Manchester Pride this weekend which celebrates the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to highlight that approximately 1 in every 20 NHS employees identify as LGBTQ+, so the importance of inclusion and representation within research and at the Trust cannot be understated. Recently MFT formed a partnership with Sparkle, the national transgender charity to provide support and guidance on issues affecting our Trans and Gender Diverse Community. Actions like these are encouraging steps forward in building on our accepting, understanding and inclusive environment.

Being born and raised in a market town in Devon, I didn’t see or know anyone else who identified as LGBTQ+ while I was growing up. Manchester is a great example of all different backgrounds being celebrated and there is a high visible presence of amazing people and places who provide support, education and understanding for everyone.  It was the first time I had heard the term “allowing someone to be their genuine self”, which over the years has stayed with me and gives me a nice warm feeling when people use it.  This is why representation is so important.

MFT is home to many staff network groups, and I chose to join the Trust’s LGBTQ+ Network which is open to both colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+ and allies. The primary aim of the Network is divided into four main areas: Voice and Engagement, Education and Training, Social and Community and Executive Engagement. These staff groups are the perfect place to meet like-minded people, as well as a great opportunity to expand your community within MFT. I will also be attending this year’s Pride celebrations in Manchester to cheer on our LGBTQ+ Network colleagues!

Becoming a loud and proud advocate for research

I was inspired to take my first steps in research through a colleague who I shared an office with at the time. She was a Clinical Research Nurse at the NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at Manchester Royal Infirmary and during our multi-disciplinary team meeting, she would provide updates to our department, explaining the purpose of the CRF, how it supported the delivery of Phase 1 clinical trials and how some of the trials would result in changes to patient pathways. I am proud to say she ignited my passion for clinical research, transforming me into the loud, proud advocate for research that I am today. 

Throughout my years working within clinical research at MFT, I have found a special interest in the financial aspects of trials and how they are delivered. I was fortunate enough to be involved with both non-commercial and commercial costing pilots, so it is certainly safe to say I know my way around a spreadsheet.

One of the largest projects that I have managed and supported was the delivery of the first ever gene therapy trial at MFT. The Trust was the national Chief Investigator site, and we had a total of 12 different platforms to support the delivery of the trial. In the early stages of set-up, I was responsible for supporting the non-malignant haematology consultants in navigating a whole new way of working at MFT. 

After the successful delivery of the complex gene therapy trials, our research team wanted to share the patient experience with the wider population. As a multi-disciplinary collective consisting of consultants, medics, nurses and specialist physiotherapists, we worked together to create a three-year educational programme on gene therapy and the potential effects for any patients with haemophilia. The programme included discussions with patients and the public, allowing their voice to be heard while increasing understanding of novel medical treatments and research within non-malignant haematology.

During this timeframe, myself and the research team also delivered several “first global participants” for ATIMPS (Advanced Therapy Investigational Medicinal Products) trials alongside healthcare assistants and several laboratories who were involved with the processing, shipping and storing of samples.

Why research at MFT?

A role within clinical research at MFT is exciting, challenging and diverse. As a team, we are often completing tasks and processes in a new way or finding innovative ways of working, which can be very exciting. It can also bring challenges at times as we are at the very forefront of global clinical trials, acting as innovators to bring positive change to our patients and participants. Finally, the strength of our diverse workforce and the range of backgrounds makes me feel part of one whole community – when we come together, we can achieve anything.

For anyone considering a career in research, I would say just do it! Jump in with both feet, then see where your career will take you. Clinical research has the potential to massively enhance patient care by bringing about new medicines, therapies and devices. During my time in research, I have seen transformative gene therapies and medicines improve the quality of life for patients and watched new ways of working flourish all while being surrounded by my fantastic team. For all these great reasons, who wouldn’t want to be involved in bringing about positive change?