About us

The Research+Me registry is run by the NIHR Patient Recruitment Centre: Newcastle.

Alen Hodgson

Alen Hodgson

Ward Domestic

Alen works for hotel services and is a valued member of the team. He works across the campus but is at our facility on a daily basis. Alen takes pride in his work and is always friendly and ready with a smile.

Angela Bailey

Angela Bailey

Senior Research Sister

Angela joined the team in summer 2023 and brings a wealth of experience in research working in transplant, respiratory, cardiology and infectious diseases research. She has worked for Newcastle Hospitals Trust since 2001 with a background in cardiology.

Angela Birt

Angela Birt

Business Manager

Angela's previous role was with the NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria. She has worked in clinical research for 25 years and brings a wealth of experience. Angela has a master's degree in clinical research from Newcastle University and is passionate about bringing more research opportunities to our communities.

Donna Robson

Donna Robson

Clinical Trials Coordinator

Donna has previous experience of trial coordination having worked within neurology and non-malignant haematology research. She has also held various research roles in the lung function department at Newcastle Hospitals Trust. Before seeking her vocation with the NHS, Donna had an extensive career history in the sport and leisure industry within local authorities.

Dr Alice Gowing

Dr Alice Gowing

Research Physician

Alice joined the team in July 2022. In addition to her work in the PRC she also works part time as a GP in the local area. Alice has been involved in clinical research since her days as a trainee GP and she feels passionately about widening access to clinical trials for patients living with common chronic conditions.

Dr Rebecca Coles

Dr Rebecca Coles

Research Physician

Becky has been a GP for 11 years, having moved to the north east to attend medical school. She has a special interest in diabetes and has led local research studies in this area. Becky is enthusiastic about making things better for patients everywhere through new discoveries and new evidence.

Dr Sara Colclough

Dr Sara Colclough

Research Physician

Sara has worked as a GP for the past 17 years and has a specialist interest in palliative medicine, providing medical support to local hospices. Sara is enthusiastic about research and loves being a member of the team.

Georgia Williams

Georgia Williams

Clinical Trials Coordinator

Georgia joined the team in 2020 after completing a Master's degree in research at Newcastle University. Georgia works at the Patient Recruitment Centre and also across the Clinical Research Directorate at Newcastle Hospitals Trust. She is involved in the set up and delivery of a wide variety of research studies.

Grace Harris

Grace Harris

Research Nurse

Grace joined the team in 2023 and has experience working in the primary care setting, having worked in GP Practices and in district nursing. Grace is passionate about research and loves being a member of the team at the Newcastle Patient Recruitment Centre.

Jess Bell

Jess Bell

Clinical Trials Associate

Jess joined the team in November 2023, having previously worked in the NHS for over ten years. She has been working in research for the past four years and is thoroughly enjoying the variety of studies that the Newcastle Patient Recruitment Centre has to offer!

Lisa Howarth

Lisa Howarth

Senior Communications Officer

Lisa has worked in healthcare research communications since 2021. Her role involves promoting research to members of the public, keeping the website up-to-date, running the team's social media accounts, writing news stories and case studies and occasionally liaising with the press on media opportunities.

Louise Quinn

Louise Quinn

Senior Research Nurse

Louise joined the PRC team in 2021 and brings with her a wealth of research experience and knowledge, having previously worked in cardiology research within the Newcastle Hospitals Trust for a number of years.

Professor Yan Yiannakou

Prof Yan Yiannakou

Clinical Director

Yan is a consultant neurogastroenterologist and director of research and development for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust. Yan is enthusiastic about expanding research opportunities for people in the region and developing innovative and novel therapies.

Sandra Mawdesley

Sandra Mawdesley

Business Analyst

Sandra has worked within the NHS for many years, 16 of these being within Newcastle Hospitals Trust. She has extensive business and management experience and is proficient with demand and capacity and other models. She works closely with the research finance team.

Sarah Scott

Sarah Scott

Data Manager

Sarah joined the team in 2021, having previously worked within the research administration and secretarial team at Newcastle Hospitals Trust. Sarah originally comes from a clinical background with previous experience as a midwife and health visitor.