Starting Strong – The Launch
After laying the foundations of governance to ensure strategic, operational and stakeholder oversight and developing a 2-year plan, the JRO officially introduced itself to the world in the Spring of 2025. Our mission was clear: to accelerate the setup and enhance the delivery of high-quality translational and clinical research across King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. We wanted to create a culture that fosters collaboration, problem-solving, and efficiency.
We’ve set out to be a ‘one-stop shop’ for researchers and research managers, offering resources, training, and support. And while the journey hasn’t been without its challenges, the enthusiasm and engagement from our community have been nothing short of inspiring. From day one, the JRO was about more than processes it was about people, partnerships, and purpose.
Summer Momentum – Building Connections
By July, the JRO was in full swing. I spent much of the summer on what I like to call the “roadshow”, visiting faculties, research groups, and events to spread the word about what the JRO is here to do. One highlight was Red for Research Day in June, a national celebration of research and the people who make it happen. From genomics to dermatology, the energy and innovation on display reminded me why this work matters so much.
We also launched key initiatives across our four workstreams: Governance, Communications & Culture, Professional Development, and Efficiency Programmes. The JRO Strategic Dashboard became our compass, helping us track progress and stay accountable. And let’s not forget the Peer Exchange Programme to foster cross-institutional learning. These weren’t just projects, they were signals of a cultural shift toward collaboration and shared problem-solving.
Autumn Achievements – Turning Vision into Reality
September marked a big milestone our first official birthday! It was a quiet celebration, but it gave me time to reflect on just how far we’ve come. Our JRO 2027 Strategy and Implementation Plan sets clear priorities and KPIs to guide us into the future. The JRO website and intranet creates a central hub for resources and collaboration. And our Efficiency Programmes are tackling bottlenecks in sponsorship, contracting, and research management systems areas that have historically slowed research down. The early half of 2026 will see several of these programmes implement solutions that will accelerate the initiation and enhance the delivery of translational and clinical research.
One of my favourite moments this year was launching the blog series, “From the Director’s Desk.” Writing those pieces has given me a chance to share thoughts on governance, metrics that matter, and the delicate art of leading change. If there’s one theme that runs through all of them, it’s this: research management isn’t just about processes, it’s about people, adaptability, and purpose. We’ve worked hard to ensure that every initiative reflects that ethos.
Celebrating Impact – Why We Do This
Of course, none of this would matter without the incredible research happening across our partnership. This year, GSTT researchers delivered world and UK firsts, from pioneering trials for rare lung conditions to launching BEACON, a global platform trial for eczema. Meanwhile, King’s researchers pushed boundaries with breakthroughs like growing a human tooth in a lab and developing ActNano, a theranostic nanoparticle for brain cancer treatment. And let’s not forget EMBRACE, the world’s largest maternal health study using AI and wearable tech. These achievements remind us why the JRO exists: to support innovation that transforms lives.
Every time I hear about these breakthroughs, I’m reminded that the work we do behind the scenes streamlining processes, improving governance, and fostering collaboration has a direct impact on patients and our research communities. That’s what makes this role so rewarding.
Looking Ahead – What’s Next?
So, what’s on the horizon? Plenty! We’re gearing up for our inaugural Celebration Event in spring, launching a JRO Podcast Series, and conducting a skills gap analysis to shape a new skills and training framework. We’ll also be supporting the rollout of the 150-Day Research Initiation Metric, a national initiative aimed at speeding up clinical trial setup times. It’s ambitious, but I know we’re up for the challenge.
We’re also continuing to build our national presence through the UK JRO Network, working alongside 15 other JROs to share best practice and position ourselves as thought leaders in research management. This isn’t just about local impact, it’s about shaping the future of research delivery across the UK.
As we plan for 2026, I’d love to hear from you. What efficiency challenges should we tackle next? Are there areas where the JRO can make your research journey smoother? Drop me a line or share your thoughts via the JRO website.
A Personal Note
As we head into the winter break, I want to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for your hard work, creativity, and commitment throughout 2025. This year has been full of progress, learning, and collaboration and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved.
I hope you all enjoy a restful and well-deserved holiday season with your friends and loved ones. Recharge, reflect, and come back ready for an exciting year ahead. I’m genuinely looking forward to working with you in 2026 as we continue to accelerate research and make an even greater impact.
Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!
Lloyd