The European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS) has planned a thought-provoking EFRS Workshop on how to further develop radiography research within the radiography profession and across the European continent.

Previous workshops have sought to consider why radiographers need a landscape of research and the barriers currently preventing its advancement. Moving forward, consideration is needed as to what steps are necessary to successfully operationalise radiography research and the skills and resources necessary to improve the quantity and quality of research.

Dr. Andrew England is Educational Wing Management Team Chair, European Federation of Radiographer Societies, and Senior Lecturer / Research Lead in Radiography at the University of Salford, UK.

Research is essential to improve patient care and outcomes by continuing to develop, grow and implement high-quality evidence that addresses key patient priorities. Radiography research is paramount, as by definition, professions are expected to contribute to the development of their own knowledge base, which is necessary for the profession to advance. Funding, ethical considerations, mentorship, proficiency in research methodologies, commitment and an ability to work within a multidisciplinary team (across national and international boundaries) are just a few of the requirements for high-quality radiography research1.

Over the past few decades, there has been a sustained increase in the number of radiographers who are research active, as well as in the number of radiographers who are pursuing academic or research-related careers. There are, however, still some issues threatening the sustainability of radiography research. Approximately 30% of radiography academics are due to retire over the next 10 years2. Those entering academia have significantly lower qualifications as a group that those who are due to retire2. Universities and professional bodies need to invest in developing a workforce capable of maintaining research and educational expertise. In many instances, the development of academic skills has traditionally been underpinned by master’s and doctoral level qualifications.

Associate Professor Dr. Jonathan McNulty is President of the European Federation of Radiographer Societies and Associate Dean, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Ireland.

This workshop has been designed to support the development and growth of radiography research at all levels, and offer participants the opportunity to; 1) appreciate potential opportunities for radiography research; 2) explore collaboration, networking, grant writing, and doctoral opportunities; 3) understand how to get started with research.

This workshop brings together experts in research from three different countries across Europe. Mr. Carst Buissink from Hanze University of Applied Sciences, the Netherlands, starts with a discussion on the benefits of successful research collaborations. Prof. Louise Rainford, University College Dublin, Ireland, reports of the utility of pop-up research hubs at national and international scientific meetings. Prof. Karen Knapp from the University of Exeter, UK, explains the approaches and challenges around grant application writing and success. Dr. Jonathan McNulty, University College Dublin, discusses opportunities for undertaking doctoral studies and the benefits of such initiatives in growing our research capabilities. Finally, Dr. Andrew England from the University of Salford, UK, will outline the potential role of the new EFRS Radiographer Research Network to help support and develop radiographer-led research.

Representatives of EFRS member organisations attending the 11th EFRS Annual General Meeting in November 2019 in Riga, Latvia, where radiographer research was discussed on the agenda.

The speakers will then be invited to engage in a Live Q&A discussion on whether research is essential for all radiographers. On behalf of the EFRS, we look forward to seeing you at this very innovative and thought-provoking workshop.

1 Malamateniou C. Radiography and research: A United Kingdom perspective. Eur J Radiography 2019;1(1):2-6.
2 Knapp KM, Wright C, Clarke H, McAnulla SJ, Nightingale JM. The academic radiography workforce: Age profile, succession planning and academic development. Radiography 2017;23(1):S48-S52.

LIVE
EFRS Workshop, Tuesday, October 27, 17:00–18:00
EFRS WS 3 Growing radiography research

Moderators:
Andrew England; Salford/UK
Jonathan McNulty; Dublin/IE

  • Building research collaboration: my top tips
  • Carst Buissink; Groningen/NL
  • The EFRS Research Hub
  • Louise A. Rainford; Dublin/IE
  • Grant writing: my top tips
  • Karen Knapp; Exeter/UK
  • Considering doctoral studies: my top tips
  • Jonathan McNulty; Dublin/IE
  • Making the most of the EFRS Radiographer Research Network
  • Andrew England; Salford/UK
  • Live Q&A: Is radiographer research essential for all radiographers?