Gavin Brittain's #PathInResearch for the #ShapeTheFuture Campaign

Research is central to improving patient care. For NIHR's Shape the Future NHS75 campaign we’re highlighting the work and career of Gavin Brittain, a Clinical Research Fellow and Speciality Neurology Registrar. 

“I’m involved in developing tools to monitor patients with multiple sclerosis in several clinical trials. One of these is the StarMS trial which is reviewing the effectiveness of autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with the aim that in future we can intervene much earlier, with better treatments, to reduce the long-term effect of conditions like multiple sclerosis on patients. 

I initially became involved in assisting and assessing patients for several clinical trials before later starting a PhD in mobility monitoring in multiple sclerosis (part of the Mobilise-D project). Here I developed my knowledge of research delivery and as a principal investigator on StarMS (a world-first trial which could see MS stem cell transplantation offered as a first line treatment instead of when all others have failed) I benefited from the support offered by the National Institute for Health and Care Research Sheffield Biomedical Research Centre. With the skills I've gained, I'm now responsible for an exciting small Sheffield Hospitals Charity funded study in patients with MS undergoing autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. 

Through research, I've started to develop the skills of how to both participate and lead research and ensure this is impactful and relevant to patients. Research can be an exciting and collaborative experience, but my key message if you want to get involved is an experienced and knowledgeable supervisor is crucial to help you with the inevitable unknowns along the way!"