Research Experience Programme helps Nazarin progress from Healthcare Assistant to Associate Clinical Research Practitioner

Congratulations to Nazarin Ziad, who recently secured a new role as an Associate Clinical Research Practitioner (CRP) with the help of the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Research Experience Programme (REP).

Nazarin, who works at the Leicester Diabetes Centre , applied for the REP in April 2025. At the time, she was working as a Healthcare Assistant on Ward 32 and - already holding a master's degree in biomedical science - wanted to develop her interest in clinical research further. 

On the programme, she gained hands-on experience in clinical research and was involved in three delegation logs within ongoing research trials. This helped her develop key skills and a strong understanding of research processes.  

Thanks to the knowledge and experience she gained, Nazarin was able to meet all the essential criteria for the Associate CRP vacancy. She applied successfully and started her new role on 16 June 2026. 

Nazarin thanked her current and former colleagues for supporting her participation in the REP and transition into a new role: 

“I applied for REP with the support and approval of my manager, Kari Colgan. The management team in Ward 32 was very supportive, and Kari kindly arranged for me to have one day per week away from the ward to attend the REP programme at the Leicester Diabetes Centre. 

“During my time on the programme, I was warmly welcomed by the research team. The Senior Research Nurse Managers, Sophie Devine and Chris Brough, along with the wider team, were extremely supportive and encouraging throughout my placement. This positive environment made the experience both valuable and enjoyable. 

“This journey has been a rewarding step in my career and I am grateful for the support from my Ward 32 team, especially Kari, as well as the research team led by Sophie and Chris. The REP helped me develop my interest in clinical research and gave me the practical experience to move into a research-focused role.” 

Sophie added: “Nazarin identified her desire to work in research and now has a well-deserved full-time post following her REP placement. 

“After a thorough induction, she has hit the ground running, supporting Professor Claire Meek’s DOMINO study at both the Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester General Hospital. Nazarin has a calm, can-do attitude and we are so pleased to have her in our team.” 

The Research Experience Programme aims to provide opportunities for non-medical clinical staff to participate in research alongside their existing clinical role – showing them how rewarding a career in clinical research can be and preparing them for a more academically focused role in the future. It also offers the opportunity to experience how clinical research delivery can be aligned to clinical service roles to enable effective, efficient and innovative healthcare for people across the NHS.