Helen Riding is a research manager for the North of England Commissioning Support Unit and coordinator for the Research and Development Forum. She helps make primary care research easier so that more patients can benefit

Sarah and Helen talk about

1. Being the glue that holds the primary care research world together
2. How she went from graphic designer to research manager (via midwifery)
3. Navigating redundancy and becoming a mature student
4. Why she keeps the patient at the heart of everything she does

Find out more

1. Read the show notes and transcript on the podcast website
2. Connect with Helen on LinkedIn, X or ResearchGate
3. Find out about the NECS and the Research and Development Forum
4. Read a recent paper on how being research-active improves healthcare

About Research Adjacent

1. Follow Research Adjacent on LinkedIn and Instagram
2. Sign up to the Research Adjacent newsletter
3. Email a comment, question or suggestion
4. Leave Sarah a voice message

Mentioned in this episode:

Research Adjacent Directory Member of the Month: Clare Jonas, That Thinking Feeling

What do you get if you cross an academic psychologist with a research communicator? Some amazing skills training workshops! Clare offers workshops which support researchers to develop knowledge and practical skills in three overlapping areas: research communication, taking care of ourselves and each other, and career skills for academia and beyond. They’re based on Clare's professional expertise, lived experience, evidence from psychology and related fields... and love of dad jokes! Find out more at https://www.thatthinkingfeeling.co.uk/

Leeds Research Adjacent Community Networking

Come along to meet other research-adjacent folks in person at Brooklyn Bar in Leeds on Thursday 30 April 2026 from 5.30pm. Open to anyone who feels part of this world. Facilitated by podcast host Sarah McLusky. Find out more and sign up here https://researchadjacent.circle.so/c/open-events/leeds-research-adjacent-community-networking-4058c1