Interview with Ben Hood, Chair of the ECMC Research Nurses Network Group

Earlier this year, two members of the Experimental cancer medicine centres (ECMC) network were recognised with an NIHR20 (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Research Delivery Leaders Prize. Ben Hood, Chair of the ECMC Research Nurses Network Group, and Harriet Walter, Co-lead of the Leicester ECMC and Director of the Hope Cancer Trials Centre, were both commended for their outstanding contribution to research delivery. The awards celebrate individuals who have made a significant impact on the delivery of health and care research.

For Ben, the recognition reflects years of dedication to advancing research nursing and championing the vital role research nurses play in delivering cancer clinical trials.

Throughout his career, Ben has been a passionate advocate for research nursing, helping to raise awareness of the expertise that research nurses bring to clinical research.

Through his work with the ECMC Research Nurses Network Group, he has also helped strengthen connections across the national ECMC network, supporting collaboration and the sharing of best practice in early-phase cancer research.

We spoke with Ben about the award, the evolving role of research nurses and the importance of supporting both patients and research professionals involved in early-phase trials.

I think it highlights just how central research nurses are to making cancer research happen. We are often the people working alongside patients throughout their research journey, while also translating protocols and innovation into safe, practical and patient-centred delivery. Research nurses also have an important role in shaping research, identifying barriers and bringing the patient and clinical perspective into how studies are designed and delivered. I’m particularly pleased that the award recognises research delivery leadership, as this is something the research nursing community contributes to every day.

I’m particularly proud of the national work we have done to bring research nurses together across the ECMC network and create a stronger community around early-phase research nursing. Alongside our national events and sharing of expertise, we have developed a national induction booklet for new ECMC research nurses, helping people coming into early-phase research understand the role, the network and the unique requirements of this area of research.

We are also currently developing a national ECMC patient website, working collaboratively to improve how patients and the public understand early-phase cancer research. For me, seeing the network move from sharing ideas to developing practical resources that can benefit both research nurses and patients is something I’m particularly proud of.

Early-phase trials can be complex and sometimes unfamiliar to patients, particularly when discussing experimental treatments and what participation might involve. Clear, accessible and honest information helps patients understand their options and make informed decisions. For me, it is also about making sure that access to research isn't determined by how well someone understands medical terminology or how confident they feel navigating the system.

Be curious, get involved and don't underestimate the contribution you can make. Research nursing is much more than delivering a protocol – it is about understanding patients, asking questions, improving practice and being willing to challenge how things are done. I would also encourage people to find mentors and opportunities outside their immediate role. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career have come from saying yes to things that initially felt slightly outside my comfort zone.