The HealthQWest Graduate School is a consortium of universities providing research training for nurses and allied health professionals. Working together we are able to provide greater opportunities for individuals to develop skills in research, research leadership and mentoring.

HealthQWest's a winner

HealthQWest's Graduate School - the only one of it's kind in the UK - has been attracting well deserved recognition, having won a UK AHP (Allied Health Professionals) and Healthcare Scientists Award in the category 'Innovation in recruitment and career development'. The award was announced and presented at a prestigious awards ceremony on 27 February 2009 in London. The judges said 'The team achieved an extraordinary turnaround in just three years: the research standing went from bottom of the UK league to the top. Along the way students were encouraged to develop their research skills and research-mindedness for the benefit of patient care. It was an incredible feat to get several major academic institutions to work together in this way.'

Dr Susan Kerr, former Director HealthQWest Graduate School (2nd left) and Prof Tracey Howe, Director HealthQWest (center) receiving the award from Jacqui Lunday, Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Scottish Government (far right).

For research students our Graduate Programme provides training related specifically to healthcare research e.g. seminars, workshops, master classes. An opportunity for students to meet each other, showcase their own work and hear about the research being conducted by others is provided at the annual Research Student Conference. Students are also encouraged to experience the publishing process through involvement in our e-journal, as authors or peer-reviewers.

Our Research Programme provides activities designed to provide NMAHP professionals, across the HealthQWest partners, with the knowledge and skills required to be research active. Our aim is to help NMAHPs to build on their current research skills and enhance their career opportunities.

Our Research Leadership Programme aims to grow and sustain the current and next generations of NMAHP research leaders

All HealthQWest members are able to access and become involved in our programmes and events and in the shaping of the future direction of the Graduate School. We look forward to meeting and working with you and I hope you can play a part in ensuring we really do work together to enhance the environment for healthcare research.