Formal Radiography Research Mentoring (FoRRM)

Introduction

The College of Radiographers is committed to promoting and supporting research at every level of our profession.

The aim of the Formal Radiography Research Mentoring (FoRRM) scheme is to increase the capacity and quality of radiographers involved in research in the UK.  

This could mean enhancing and developing research skills, elevating the radiography research profile or working towards specific research outputs.  FoRRM may also help with personal development and/or career development.

In addition to attending pre-launch training and the launch event, both of which are mandatory (see key dates below), successful candidates will be expected to join the training and networking events throughout the course of the scheme.


The 2025-2026 Scheme

 A reminder of key dates and events for those participating in the current scheme.

SessionDate & timeLocation
Pre-launch mentee training

Tuesday 4 November 2025
10:00 – 11:30

Virtual
Pre-launch mentor trainingWednesday 5 November 2025

10:00 – 12:00
Virtual
Launch eventWednesday 12 November 2025

SoR | CoR HQ (London, SE1 2EW)


Additional dates will be announced in due course.

Mentoring Resources

Setting direction in a mentoring relationship

In this blog post, Coach Mentoring Ltd, outline why setting direction is critical to an effective mentoring relationship.

Mentor Profiles 2025-2026

  • Dr Benard Ohene-Botwe

     


    • Name: Benard Ohene-Botwe
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: London, UK
    • Current employer: City, University of London
    • Position: Senior Lecturer
    • Qualifications: PhD in Radiation Protection; MSc in Radiography; Diploma in Radiography
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography: I am an experienced radiographer with over 14 years of experience and possess extensive clinical expertise in Conventional Radiography, Fluoroscopy, Computed Tomography, and Interventional Radiography. Currently, my area of research focuses on Computed Tomography.
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies: Quantitative
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered: Mentoring was delivered in various capacities, encompassing roles as a personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, and clinical mentor. This mentoring has been both formal and informal in nature. Additionally, I have supervised more than 50 primary research projects, involving both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Furthermore, I have guided numerous students in developing research ideas and facilitating the publication of their research projects. With 10 years of experience in academia, my role in mentorship and support has been substantial and diverse.
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?: I hope to share my wide knowledge, experiences, and ideas, particularly in research, with mentees through my participation in this mentoring scheme as a mentor. I want to help people achieve their goals while also encouraging their personal and professional development. Furthermore, I am looking forward to polishing my own mentoring and leadership skills, expanding my awareness of good mentorship practises, and positively contributing to the development of the future generation of radiography professionals.
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this programme?: I anticipate that my mentee will actively participate in the mentoring process in this mentoring scheme, displaying a dedication to their personal and professional development. I anticipate open and honest dialogue in which people express their aims, challenges, and aspirations. I anticipate that they will be open to advice, feedback, and suggestions, and that they will actively seek opportunities to learn and grow from our encounters. My mentee's proactive and dedicated approach will establish a mutually beneficial relationship, allowing us to effectively collaborate towards their success.
  • Dr Iain MacDonald

     

    • Name: Iain MacDonald
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: North West England
    • Current employer: Department of Medical Imaging Science, University of Cumbria, Carlisle
    • Position: Senior Lecturer, Programme Director MSc Magnetic Resonance Imaging
    • Qualifications: BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography, University of Derby. MSc Medical Imaging, PhD in Technology enhanced learning, Lancaster University. Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA). HCPC registered diagnostic radiographer
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography: Magnetic resonance imaging
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies: Experience of both qualitative and quantitative research.
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered: I supervise and mark MSc dissertations. I am a personal tutor to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?: I want to be able to pass on my experience of my own research journey and of supervising both undergraduate and postgraduate dissertation students. By supporting talented and keen radiographers the whole profession will benefit by an increasing research focus.
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this programme?: I would like them to have some ideas about what areas they are interested to explore, even if they are not fully honed. They must be eager to learn, open to advice and be prepared to be proactive and communicate well with all involved with their research.
  • Dr Ian Simcock

     

    • Name: Ian Simcock
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: London, UK
    • Current employer: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children
    • Position: Clinical academic diagnostic radiographer
    • Qualifications: 
      • Doctor of Philosophy – UCL/Institute of Child Health (2021)
      • MSc. (Hons) Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences–Uni of Hertfordshire–Distinction (2010)
      • BSc. (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography-Uni of Keele-2:1 (1996)
      • Diagnostic radiography, post-mortem imaging, micro-CT, research, publications, dissemination and grant applications.
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography: MRI, CT, micro-CT, post-mortem imaging, research, grant applications
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies: Qualitative
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered: Currently mentor 2 x diagnostic radiographers through their NIHR pre-doctoral grants submissions and awards.
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?: As both a mentee and a mentor on the NIHR’s mentorship scheme, I have seen what can be achieved through engaging with an external mentor and targeting a specific goal. I have found it both rewarding and enjoyable mentoring two previous diagnostic radiographers successfully to an NIHR pre-doctoral award and am now mentoring them towards an NIHR doctoral award. Through being a mentor I also benefit by developing further my own leadership/mentorship skills, and by exposure to a wider variety of individuals/areas of interest. This will ensure that I further develop my ability to spot opportunities, target goals, and tackle specific areas of interest that can progress both the mentee and the profession through greater engagement.
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this programme?: I expect the mentee to take the initiative to set up the meetings, to identify their specific issues, as well as possible methods of achieving these goals. Problem solving and identifying opportunities to overcome these obstacles are best achieved through a team approach by the mentor–mentee. Therefore, being able to not only identify these potential prospects but also to be open-minded to different approaches to succeed, have an ability to push themselves, and a can-do attitude are extremely helpful when maximising the mentee’s potential. I look forward to working with mentees who are ready to succeed!
  • Dr Paul Lockwood

     

    • Name: Paul Lockwood
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: Canterbury, Kent
    • Current employer: Canterbury Christ Church University
    • Position: Reader in Diagnostic Radiography (Principal lecturer)
    • Qualifications: 
      PhD by Publication     
      Fellow of the College of Radiographers (FCR)   
      Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
      MSc Clinical Reporting     
      Postgraduate Certificate Learning and Teaching (HE)   
      Postgraduate CT Head Reporting     
      BSc (Hons) Diagnostic Radiography
       
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography: 
      X-ray
      CT
      Ultrasound
      Fluoroscopy
      Radiographer reporting
      Enhanced and Advanced practice roles 
      Workforce development and education
      Clinical service evaluation/audit
      But depending on the research project happy to have a go at any area in radiography
       
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies: Qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, systematic/narrative/scoping literature review, surveys, focus groups, dose experiments, image interpretation studies.
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered:  Personal tutor, career advisor, clinical supervisor, clinical mentor, Batchelors and Master’s research project / dissertation supervisor, academic staff early career research mentor
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?: Networking, collaboration, and assistance to early careers researchers
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this scheme? Hopefully guidance on research careers and a project (ranging from research design, research proposals, research protocols, grant applications, ethics forms, dissemination of findings at conferences in talks or posters, submission through peer-review process to professional journals, and engaging in reviewer feedback, engaging stakeholders for impact, etc)
  • Dr Pauline Humphrey

     

    • Name: Pauline Humphrey
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: Bristol, UK
    • Current employer: Bristol Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of the West of England
    • Position: Consultant therapeutic radiographer (UHBW) and Research associate (UWE)
    • Qualifications: DCR(T); MSc Radiography; PhD; qualitative research; patient experiences; brachytherapy for cervical cancer
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography: Radiotherapy; brachytherapy; ultrasound in radiotherapy
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies: Systematic review; qualitative methods; mixed methods; consensus methods (NGT)
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered: 
      • Informal mentoring to work colleagues interested in research
      • Informal mentoring to one PhD student
      • Formal mentoring to one PhD student
      • Formal MSc dissertation supervision (UWE students)
      • Clinical supervisor to nursing and radiography staff
      • Experience of being a mentee during NIHR clinical doctoral research fellowship (4 years)
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?: I hope to increase my experience and confidence in mentoring colleagues in research, and to be able to pass on some of my experience and enthusiasm to encourage others to get involved in research. I hope this will help me to continue learning and developing my own research knowledge and skills.
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this programme?: To share their hopes and ambitions with me, and not to expect me to know everything about research!

     

  • Dr Robert Meertens

     

    • Name: Robert Meertens
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: Exeter
    • Current employer: University of Exeter
    • Position: Senior Lecturer (Medical Imaging)
      Director of Business Engagement and Innovation (Dept. of Health and Care Professions)
    • Qualifications: PhD (Medical Studies)
      MSci (Health Services Research)
      BSc (Medical Radiations Technology)
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography: I have research expertise predominately in artificial intelligence, bone health diagnostics, CT, DXA, and other applications of general radiography (including dose and image quality studies).
      I have also carried out educationally focussed research around simulation and peer support in education.
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies: Wide ranging experience including quantitative methods, qualitative, systematic and scoping reviews.
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered: I have mentored new academic staff formally, have supervised five PhD/MSc students, and am an experienced personal tutor with over 10 years of experience.
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?: I would like to pay back the support that was crucial to my development over the years. I am passionate about establishing more research in the radiography profession and would like to help someone reach a position where they can contribute in a valuable and sustainable way towards the future of the profession.
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this programme?: I would mainly expect the mentee to be engaged throughout the process, and to be open and transparent when things are either challenging or going well.
  • Dr Stuart Mackay

    • Name: Stuart Mackay
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: Liverpool
    • Current employer: University of Liverpool
    • Position:Senior Lecturer in Diagnostic Radiography
    • Qualifications: DCR, HDCR TDCR, FAETC, Master, Doctorate.
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography: Radiography generally, psychology, patient care, education
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies:Mixed methods Reviews of evidence Survey research Qualitative and or quantitative
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered: Personal tutor, staff mentor, PhD mentor, advise staff on career development, been in FORRM scheme since it started.
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?: Development of the radiography researchers of the future
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this programme?: I am expecting to mentor someone who is keen, motivated and capable but needs some shaping and forming to reach their goal. I would like to use my several years of experience of research in the profession to help guide them to a defined goal.
  • Dr Theo Akudjedu

    • Name: Theo Akudjedu
    • Title: Dr
    • Location: Bournemouth
    • Current employer:Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Bournemouth University
    • Position: Associate Professor in Clinical Imaging
    • Qualifications:
      • BSc Diagnostic Radiography: University of Ghana
      • MSc Neuroimaging: King’s College London
      • PhD Medicine (Clinical Neuroimaging): National University of Ireland
      • Galway PgCert (Programme Leadership): Bournemouth University
      • Senior Fellow (Higher Education Academy): Advance HE
    • Area(s) of Expertise in Radiography:MRI, Neuroimaging
    • Areas of expertise in Research methods and methodologies: Quantitative, Mixed Methods, Systematic Reviews
    • Mentoring experience (formal or informal) and in what capacity was mentoring delivered:Undergraduate and Postgraduate (PhD/MSc) Supervision and personal tutoring
    • What do you wish to achieve through your participation in this mentoring programme?:I am passionate about personal development and networking within the wider radiography community, this opportunity will serve as a means to empower people to become involved with clinical research to help grow capacity and capability through mentorship and increased radiography research outputs.
    • What are your expectations from your mentee in this programme?: Hardworking, Dedicated and one (s) who is/are enthusiastic to learn

Steering committee 2025-2026

  • Dr Robert Appleyard
    Sheffield Hallam University
    Change of circumstances notifications


Overview of FoRRM and what the scheme invovles

Rachel Harris carries out a lecture informing all about everything FoRRM

FoRRM Podcast

To learn more about FoRRM and how it can benefit your career, listen to the following short interview with former Steering Group Chair and FoRRM pioneer, Dr Christina Mallamateniou.


Scheme Success

The scheme has enjoyed success from the outset (2017) and has developed from there forward, using the learning from each round to evaluate and improve future series.

See the summary of outcomes from the FoRRM3 scheme (2022–2023), watch the video below and listen to the podcast episode to hear from members of the scheme.


FoRRM Celebratory Event 2025


FoRRM Mentee Reflection 2025 | El Barker

El Barker shares how she mentee experience has helped him and the role his mentor had in supporting him throughout his scheme.

FoRRM Mentee Reflection 2025 | Laura Jacques

Laura Jacques shares how she mentee experience has helped him and the role his mentor had in supporting him throughout his scheme.

FoRRM Mentee Reflection 2025 | Kirstie Brewer

Kirstie Brewer shares how her FoRRM mentee experience has helped him and the role his mentor had in supporting him throughout his scheme.

Previous FoRRM Mentors

  • 2019 FoRRM mentors

    Dr Carole Burnett, University of Leeds
    Dr Phil Cosson, Teeside University
    Dr Andrew England, Salford University
    Professor Maryann Hardy, University of Bradford
    Dr Stuart Mackay, University of Liverpool
    Dr Marius Mada, Cambridge University
    Dr Sonyia McFadden, Ulster University
    Professor Julie Nightingale, Sheffield Hallam University
    Dr Desiree O’Leary, Keele University
    Dr Angela O’Neill, Belfast Cancer Centre
    Professor Heidi Probst, Sheffield Hallam University
    Professor Bev Snaith, Mid Yorkshire NHS Trust and University of Bradford
    Dr Yat Tsang, East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust
    Dr Sophie Willis, City, University of London
    Dr Nick Woznitza, Homerton Hospital and Canterbury Christchurch University
    Dr Christopher Wright, University of Exeter
    Dr Marios Yiannakas, UCL

  • 2022 FoRRM mentors

    Dr Emma Hyde, University of Derby
    Dr Desiree O’Leary, Keele University
    Dr Jonathan McConnell, Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust
    Dr Ruth Strudwick, University of Suffolk
    Dr Soniya McFadden, Ulster University
    Dr Stuart Mackay, University of Liverpool
    Dr Theo Akudjedu, Bournemouth University
    Dr Yat Man Tsang, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre / London Southbank University
    Dr Amy Taylor, Exeter University
    Prof Mark McEntee, University College Cork

  • 2023 FoRRM mentors

    Dr Desiree O'Leary, Keele University  
    Professor Ruth Strudwick, University of Suffolk
    Dr Stuart Mackay, University of Liverpool
    Dr Theo Akudjedu, Institute of Medical Imaging & Visualisation, Bournemouth University
    Dr Amy Hancock, University of Exeter
    Dr Emma Hyde, University of Derby  
    Professor Mark McEntee, University College Cork  
    Dr Ian Simcock, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children  
    Dr Julie Woodley, University of the West of England  
    Dr Aarthi Ramlaul, Buckinghamshire New University
    Dr Benard Ohene-Botwe, City, University of London  
    Dr Sonyia McFadden, Ulster University  
    Dr Pauline Humphrey, Bristol Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and University of the West of England

Previous FoRRM Mentees

  • 2019 FoRRM mentees

    Sophie Alexander
    Martin Baker
    Stella Campbell
    Andy Creeden
    Marie Claire Flavin
    Grainne Forsythe
    Lisa Hay
    Deborah Jarvis
    Jackie Matthew
    Kerry Mills
    Scott Robertson
    John Sahibbil
    Amal Salah
    Heather Smoldon
    Curt Strangward
    Amy Taylor
    Carlo Vitale

  • 2022 FoRRM mentees

    Eric Onwuharine, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust
    Freya Johnson, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde
    Gemma Walsh, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
    Gillian Coleman, University of Derby
    Hannah Barnsley, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
    Rebecca White, University of Derby
    Sarah Griffiths, Bristol Cancer Institute
    Sharon Vit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
    Sofia Torre, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
    Winnie Tam, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board

  • 2023 FoRRM mentees

    Helen Watts  
    Kerry Pawley   
    Rachel Brooks-Pearson  
    Leon-Say Mudadi  
    Francine Mulenga  
    Leah Marsden  
    Cletus Amedu  
    Magda Triantafyllidou  
    Eric Tang  
    Catherine Matthams  
    Bernice Sarkodie   
    Harley Stephens  
    Heidi Croxson

FoRRM celebratory event Gallery

We have a range of photos captured at the successful FoRRM celebration day that took place at the SoR | CoR HQ in September 2024. 

We also have headshot of mentors and mentees that was taken on the day. If you had a headshot taken and would like to receive it, please send a request email to the Digital team with 'FoRRM Headshot' as the bio.