Supporting the next generation of researchers

The Royal Free Charity is helping a London doctor take the next big step in her research career – one that could transform care for patients with a life-threatening condition. 

Dr Louise China treats patients with serious liver disease at the Royal Free Hospital. Alongside her demanding clinical role, Louise is pursuing a career in research, with a particular interest in portomesenteric venous thrombosis (PVT) – a condition caused by a blood clot that blocks a vital vein. It can be life-threatening yet almost no research has been carried out into it. 

Although Louise has previous research experience, studying such a rare disease requires a highly specialised skillset. 

That’s where the Royal Free Charity stepped in, funding part of her salary for six months to give her the space she needed to prepare a funding application to the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). 

Louise said: 

Her hard work paid off when she was awarded a NIHR development and skills enhancement grant. This means Louise can take up a postdoctoral programme to build research skills alongside her clinical work – as well as the chance to study medical statistics and receive mentored training at UCL’s clinical trials unit. 
 
With this training and support, she plans to apply for a full NIHR programme grant to lead future research into PVT – research that could one day improve care and outcomes for patients.