The PCRNI Team
Prof. Nigel Hart
Director of Primary Care Research
Nigel Hart is a clinical academic at Queen’s University Belfast and the Director of Primary Care Research Northern Ireland (PCRNI) in the NI Clinical Research Network. He does his clinical work in a Belfast GP practice. He has experience in research spanning over 25 years and across medical education, primary care, public health and clinical trials.
He has played a key role in the building of capacity for research in primary care across Northern Ireland. He leads the General Practice Academic Research Training Scheme (GPARTS) and has led high-impact studies, including the Urgent Public Health-designated PANORAMIC COVID-19 clinical trial, in which Northern Ireland exceeded recruitment targets under his leadership.
Dr Laura McQuillan
GP Clinical Lead
My Primary Care Research journey began in 2015, when I started the GP Academic Research Training Scheme (GPARTS). This scheme allows GP Trainees the opportunity to undertake a 2 year research project alongside their clinical GP training. After completion of my GP Training I worked as GP Research Follow in Queen’s University Belfast, researching polypharmacy in Primary Care, in a cross-border study.
I have worked as GP Clinical Research Lead within PCRNI since 2020. My role is to promote and facilitate Primary Care Research across NI. I also work as a salaried GP in Antrim and as a Clinical Skills tutor for undergraduate medical students in QUB.
Patricia Quinn
Primary Care Research Nurse Manager
I have recently taken up the position of Primary Care Research Manager having worked for several years with the NICRN. During this time, I was part of the collaboration with QUB and the Dementia team. In my background I have worked in Primary Care Research undertaking CTIMP’s and as a Nurse Advisor for the Pharmaceutical Industry.
I look forward to being able to deliver research across Northern Ireland with the support of our Nursing team.
Marian Chindedza
Primary Care Research Nurse
I earned my nursing qualification in 2006 and completed a Master’s degree in Public Health in 2016, before registering with the UK NMC in 2018. Over the years, my career has evolved from providing hands on patient care in diverse clinical settings to my current role in primary research.
My background in clinical nursing has given me a strong understanding of patient needs, care delivery, and the practical challenges faced by healthcare professionals. Combined with my public health training, I bring a holistic perspective to research. This integration of clinical insight and public health principles underpins my passion for improving healthcare through evidence-based practice and patient-centred studies.
Kirsten Ross
Primary Care Research Nurse
I completed my nursing degree through the University of Glasgow in 2014. My dedication to supporting disadvantaged communities inspired me to complete a Diploma in Tropical Nursing and a Master’s degree in Disaster Healthcare while working in A&E throughout the UK. From this experience, I recognised the importance of addressing health inequalities within my home of Northern Ireland.
To support health and wellbeing at a community level, I transitioned to General Practice Nursing where I honed my skills for six years. Now, although I am new to the research nursing role, I am excited to use my skills to help shape the future of medicine in the Primary Care setting.
Érin Collins
Primary Care Research Nurse
My professional background is in ICU nursing (RGN), nurse education (MSc.), Research Nurse in the areas of ICU and acute stroke care, upper GI cancer data management, pharmacovigilance & clinical trial administration.
I have engaged in the research process on various levels. With the Primary Care Research team, I look forward to providing research opportunities to all patients who access Primary Care services across Northern Ireland.