Published on: 1st October 2026
A research nurse at RNOH has secured a prestigious place on a national leadership programme, helping to strengthen research opportunities for staff and patients across the Trust.
Evangeline (Vangie) Martinez, Research Nurse in the London Spinal Cord Injury Centre, has been selected for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Developing Research Leaders (DRL) programme.
The highly competitive three-year programme supports future research leaders from nursing, midwifery and allied health professions, helping them develop the skills, networks and confidence to drive research and innovation within healthcare.
As the first person from RNOH to be awarded a place on the programme, Vangie will spend two days a week supporting research activity across the Trust. Her focus will be on helping more staff become involved in research and creating opportunities for colleagues who want to explore research alongside their clinical careers.
Reflecting on her achievement, Vangie said:
“Receiving a place on the DRL programme is a bit like an athlete standing on a medal podium. The medal recognises years of determination, resilience and hard work, but nobody reaches the podium alone.
Behind every achievement is a network of people who have encouraged, supported and challenged me to do better. This award is not simply an individual achievement. It represents the support, belief and generosity of everyone who has helped me along the way.”
Vangie hopes her experience will encourage nurses, allied health professionals and clinical colleagues to see research as something that is accessible to everyone.
She said:
“I want to help colleagues understand that there are many ways to be involved in research. You don't have to become an academic researcher. Research can be part of everyday clinical practice, and there are opportunities for everyone to contribute.”
Through the programme, Vangie will build new partnerships with healthcare, research and community organisations locally, nationally and internationally. These connections will help create new opportunities for staff development and support research that improves outcomes and experiences for patients.
The programme will also provide mentoring, leadership development and opportunities to learn from established research leaders.
Vangie added:
“The programme provides a rare opportunity to learn from established research leaders while finding my own path. I'm looking forward to developing my leadership skills, building new relationships and helping create an environment where research is seen as something everyone can be part of.”
For Vangie, the next three years are about more than personal development. They are an opportunity to help build a stronger culture of research at RNOH, opening doors for colleagues and ultimately benefiting patients, staff and the wider healthcare community.