About us

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

Who we are

The Research+Me team is based at The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. We are based on Level 6 of the Leazes Wing at the Royal Victoria Infirmary (follow signs to the Clinical Research Facility). Our team consists of doctors, nurses, research administrators and IT data experts.

We are committed to providing the best possible care for patients and the local community.

Meet our team members below.

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 and 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.

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 Duggan-Howarth

Lisa Duggan-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 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.

Ned Newman

Ned Newman

Data Manager

Ned joined the team in the summer of 2024 and is new to both clinical research and the Newcastle Hospitals Trust. With a strong interest in public health, he holds a master’s degree in health psychology, where he focused on advanced statistical analysis. Ned is passionate about research and looks forward to making meaningful contributions to the team.

Professor Yan Yiannakou

Prof Yan Yiannakou

Clinical Lead

Yan is a consultant gastroenterologist who specialises in irritable bowel syndrome. He has been the director of research and innovation for a large NHS trust. Yan is enthusiastic about expanding research opportunities for people in the region and developing innovative and novel therapies.

Trevor Liddle

Trevor Liddle

Senior Information Analyst

Trevor has worked in clinical research since 2016 and has played a leading role in the roll-out of digital developments such as electronic consent and virtual trials. He is an advocate for the digitisation of research processes to enhance the efficiency, quality and accessibility of research for staff and patients.