Opening doors to nursing research: how NIHR INSIGHT scholarships are shaping future health leaders

This year, King’s is proud to celebrate the success of several students from the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care (NMPC) who have been awarded NIHR INSIGHT Master’s scholarships. The scholarships open up new opportunities to connect academic learning with real-world impact. 

Nurturing tomorrow’s research leaders

Part of a national initiative by NIHR, the INSIGHT South London Programme is a collaborative partnership between four universities - King’s, London South Bank University, Kingston University and St George’s, University of London - as well as seven NHS Trusts spanning the acute, community, public health, mental health and social care sectors.

Together, they aim to challenge the myth that research is “too difficult” to embed in clinical practice by creating practical, supported pathways into research. Providing research exposure and training opportunities, the programme enables students and professionals to pursue rewarding research careers. This includes supporting pathways from advanced clinical practice to clinical academic careers. 

This year, the programme offers 30 Master’s-level scholarships across its partner institutions. These scholarships support eligible students to engage in structured research training and mentorship, build professional networks, and pursue research-aligned postgraduate degrees.

NIHR INSIGHT through students’ eyes

Two final year students from King’s NMPC Faculty, Verny Sivalingam and Esha Sudera, are among this year’s scholarship recipients. Their experiences speak to the power of opportunity, mentorship, and a passion for improving healthcare.

Verny: Research as a bridge between policy and practice

Currently studying a BSc in Adult Nursing, Verny describes her undergraduate experience as a launchpad for both clinical and research aspirations.

“This course has given me a strong clinical foundation while also encouraging my interest in healthcare research and the broader determinants that can influence holistic patient outcomes."

She is hoping to pursue an MSc in Global Health after graduation supported by her NIHR INSIGHT scholarship. This is a natural progression from her involvement in the King’s Undergraduate Research Fellowship (KURF) and her own published research.

“My interest was sparked by the influence of lecturers at King’s, many of whom are actively engaged in their own research. Their level of autonomy and innovation inspired me. With this scholarship, I hope to build stronger connections with academics across disciplines and develop the confidence to participate in high-level research discussions and projects.”

Her research interests span from type 2 diabetes and tuberculosis to the social determinants of health. She hopes to influence public health outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration and evidence-based policy.

Esha: Championing women’s health through research

For Esha, who is both a BSc Adult Nursing student and the Vice Chair of the Nightingale Student Council, the scholarship was an unexpected but welcome opportunity.

“I had not heard about the scholarship until it was recommended to me. It sounded like a brilliant opportunity as I had wanted to pursue further research study and gain expertise in a specific area but would not have been able to finance it myself.”

With the support of her NIHR INSIGHT scholarship, she is planning to study a MSc in Women and Children’s Health, with a focus on menstrual health and its links to severe gynaecological conditions, such as endometriosis and adenomyosis.

“These conditions are often under-researched and misdiagnosed, despite affecting millions of women and girls globally. I hope to investigate their clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges and broader impact on quality of life, with the aim of contributing to improved understanding, outcomes and advocating for better support for those from underrepresented backgrounds.”

Building a strong research community

The NIHR INSIGHT scholarships are fostering the next generation of nursing, midwifery and palliative care leaders who will help shape the future of health and care services.

By investing in students like Sarah and Esha, King’s and its partner organisations are helping to create a vibrant community of health professionals who are not only skilled clinicians but also confident researchers, innovators and leaders. This year, the following undergraduate students have been accepted to continue their studies at postgraduate level with the support of NIHR INSIGHT scholarships:

• Magda Patocka, King's College London, Women and Children’s Health MSc
• Verny Sivalingam, King's College London, Global Health MSc
• Khadija Nadeem, King's College London, Specialist Community Public Health Nursing
• Zannah Halsall, King's College London, Mental Health Studies MSc
• Jazmin Campbell, St George's, University of London, MSc Genomic Medicine
• Larissa Lisarte, King's College London, Clinical Research MRes/PGCert
• Josephine Efeoghene Ogiesoba, King's College London, Women and Children’s Health MSc
• Alicia Watts, King's College London, Specialist Community Public Health Nursing
• Hiu Ching Chan, St George's University of London, MSc Genomic Medicine
• Anna Dar, King's College London, Global Health, Social Justice and Public Policy MSc
• Sadie Riches, King's College London, Clinical Research Delivery MSc
• Elizabeth Foster, King's College London, Clinical Ultrasound MSc
• Esha Sudera, King's College London, Women and Children’s Health MSc
• Freda Donkor, King's College London, Clinical Research MRes/PGCert
• Jasmine Ilesanmi, King's College London, Global Health, Social Justice and Public Policy MSc
• Karen Millard, King's College London, Specialist Community Public Health Nursing

We’re also delighted to welcome 15 new postgraduate research students into the NMPC Faculty through the INSIGHT programme, further strengthening our research community.

Further Information

Visit NIHR INSIGHT Programme for South London for more information and guidance on how to apply for upcoming scholarships. You can also contact insight-sl@kcl.ac.uk