One of the Trust’s academic clinical fellows in old age psychiatry, Dr Axel Laurell (pictured), has become the first ever trainee on the NIHR Associate Principal Investigator (PI) Scheme for a dementia study, working with CPFT’s specialist Windsor Research Unit.
Axel said: “This is a great opportunity for me to gain experience in the delivery of a clinical trial and learn more about dementia research. It will provide me with valuable insight into the research process and prepare me for taking on the PI role in future clinical studies.”
The Associate PI Scheme is a six month in-work training opportunity to help the research leaders of the future start their journey. It enables healthcare professionals to gain practical experience in delivering an NIHR research study, under the mentorship of an experienced local PI.
CPFT’s Windsor Research Unit clinical director and honorary consultant psychiatrist Dr Ben Underwood is Axel’s mentor and will be working with him on a pioneering clinical trial in this region.
Ben has over 10 years’ experience leading dementia research studies and training psychiatry students, recognised by his regional leadership roles. He is currently running one of the world’s first studies to test if an antidepressant (trazodone) could stop Alzheimer’s disease progressing.
Ben said: “The NIHR’s associate PI scheme is really important for introducing doctors to research in a meaningful and supported way, so that it can become part of the rest of their career. Axel is an outstanding trainee, and I am delighted he is taking part in this scheme and joining this exciting research project – very much looking forward to working with him!”
CPFT is one of the top UK NHS Trusts for dementia research and offers many opportunities for people and their carers to take part. If you are interested in participating, or know someone who might be, please contact the Trust’s Windsor Research Unit on 01223 219531 wru@cpft.nhs.uk. You can also register on the national website to hear about opportunities to Join Dementia Research with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR): www.joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk
