Case study: Professor Vicki Goodwin – a clinical academic journey with NIHR

Professor Vicki Goodwin began her career as a community physiotherapist working with older people in rural Devon. While she had an interest in research, the pathway into academia was not clear.

Without local role models in research or academic practice, and as the first person in her immediate family to attend university, pursuing this route felt uncertain. However, an early setback helped shape her journey. After an unsuccessful application for an NIHR Doctoral Fellowship, she spent time developing her ideas and skills before applying again.

In 2006, she was successfully awarded an NIHR Doctoral Fellowship to undertake a randomised controlled trial exploring exercise to reduce falls in people with Parkinson’s. This marked a turning point in her career.

The Fellowship opened up opportunities to build networks, develop as a researcher, and engage with the wider academic community. Following completion of her PhD in 2010, she continued her work within the NIHR infrastructure, joining CLAHRC South West Peninsula (later PenARC, and now ARC SW) and contributing to major research collaborations, including involvement in an NIHR HTA trial.

Vicki at her PhD graduation in 2011

Alongside her research, Vicki became increasingly involved in supporting others. She has mentored a wide range of aspiring clinical academic allied health professionals (AHPs), many of whom have gone on to secure NIHR Fellowships themselves. This commitment to developing others led to leadership roles in training and academic career development within the collaboration.

A significant moment in her journey was connecting with Professor Anne-Maree Keenan from the University of Leeds, who became a mentor. Through this, Professor Goodwin became involved in the NIHR Infrastructure Doctoral Training Camp, an intensive and highly regarded programme supporting NIHR PhD students to develop a fictitious funding application. She continues to play a key role in delivering this initiative.

Vicki mentoring the winning team at the NIHR doctoral training camp (2021)

Reflecting on her career, Vicki highlights the importance of collaboration and support:

“I have worked with some amazing people over the years, clinicians, academics, members of the public, and colleagues across NIHR. I wouldn’t be where I am today without those who gave me a chance and believed in me.”

Her contributions have been recognised nationally, including being awarded an MBE in 2017, receiving a Vivensa Foundation Senior Leader Excellence Award, and being named an NIHR Senior Investigator in 2024.

Vicki with the National Dementia and PPI group at one of our meetings in London (2021)

Vicki receiving her MBE at Buckingham Palace (2017)

Having been part of the NIHR community for 20 years, she reflects on the impact it has had on her career and the opportunities it has created for others.

“I have been part of the NIHR family for the past 20 years and would like to say thank you for having me.”