Do you want to champion the value of research within our profession? Can you help to promote, showcase and celebrate occupational therapy research? Become a research champion and help us to shape RCOT Research Connect, a new UK-wide virtual network of members launching in spring 2023.
As a research champion you will support the development of the network, promote the occupational therapy research agenda, encourage and inspire your colleagues to engage in and with research.
We’d like you to help us grow and shape the network and would encourage you to apply. We will host virtual meetings twice a year for research champions to come together to share experiences, connect and suggest how we might develop the network further. We’ll provide an induction, access to our online resources and support from the Research and Development team, to help you grow and develop your own skills within the network.
Launching the call for research champions, Dr Gillian Ward, Research and Development Manager said:
'I’m really excited we’re now inviting members to apply to become research champions. We have so many fabulous members who are championing occupational therapy research in all sorts of areas. You don’t have to be an expert researcher – an enthusiasm for research and contributing to the network are the main things we're looking for at this stage. So, if you want an opportunity to champion the value of research within our profession, and help to promote and celebrate occupational therapy research, this one is for you.'
Watch Gill talk about the opportunity to champion research at RCOT.
Who can apply to become a research champion?
Research champions can be working in any context (health, social care, voluntary sector, education or research) and any location in the UK. We’d also welcome support workers, pre-registration learners and apprentices to apply. Able to map your skills to the Leadership and Evidence, Research and Development Pillars at Level 4 and above, you can be at any stage of your research career development. Most importantly, you’ll be committed to supporting research and networking with others.
We value the diversity of our 35,000+ strong membership and aim to have a network that reflects this. We strongly encourage applications from all sections of our community, especially those from under-represented groups.
Read the role description to find out more.
How to apply
Applications are closed.
We’ll be contacting successful research champions by Tuesday 31 January 2023.
We promised to establish an occupational therapy research network as part of our R&D strategy. Read more about the strategy.