After receiving exceptional applications consisting of wonderful work within the paediatric community, this year's winners of the PIER award are the Paediatric Gastroenterology Research Team of Addenbrooke’s for the production of IBDmate.
As the main regional referral centre for children with gut disease in the East of England, the team have continued to build their translational research portfolio around their patient population. All clinicians in the team introduce opportunities to take part in research at first contact, with age-appropriate information provided to parents and children.
IBDmate is a comprehensive learning platform with over 250 hours of lessons / videos available for ‘prescription’ and subsequent use at any time. Short films of children sharing their stories have become particularly popular with patients and parents, the staff able to ‘prescribe’ additional lessons to children and families at any stage, including accessible content on the importance and benefits of research.
We spoke with Associate Professor and Honorary Consultant Matthias Zilbauer who lead the team about their submission and the value of involving children and young people in research.
What are your plans for your research career?
As an established researcher, one of my main career aims is to support young clinicians and scientist by providing teaching, advice and mentoring. There are so many talented, smart and highly motivated young paediatricians and scientists who need the appropriate support and opportunities to develop their own career. And of course we will continue our translational research efforts and very much hope that our findings will make a real difference to our patients.
What does it mean to you and your colleagues to win this award?
We are extremely proud of receiving this award as it provides recognition for our research work. The achievements on which this award is based, were possible only through an amazing team effort. Performing translational research in paediatric populations is challenging. The key to our success is the commitment of all team members, including physicians, scientists, nurses as well as our patients and parent to research. We never cease to be amazed when one of our young patients agrees to give small pieces of their intestine (i.e. intestinal biopsies) and a few drops of their blood to support our research which although will not be of any direct benefit to them, but may help other children in the future. A special recognition goes to our amazing research nurse Claire Glemas who has not only recruited close to 1000 children to our translational research studies but has also successfully established a thriving, innovative patient and patient engagement program. We are very lucky to have her in our team.
What are your plans for your research career?
As an established researcher, one of my main career aims is to support young clinicians and scientist by providing teaching, advice and mentoring. There are so many talented, smart and highly motivated young paediatricians and scientists who need the appropriate support and opportunities to develop their own career.
What is your advice for aspiring researchers?
In my opinion, it is of critical importance for young researchers to be placed in a supportive and inspiring environment. No matter how smart or motivated someone might be, research cannot be done in isolation and you will face many challenges. Hence, my advice is to find a good team and a supportive mentor and things will fall into place.
The RCPCH-NIHR PIER Award will be running again for 2024. Keep an eye out for more information.