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Nikki Hayward

MSc Public Health, BSc (Hons.) Cancer care and Palliative care


Senior Nurse, Research and Engagement, CRUK

  • To increase knowledge of cancer clinical trials and research participation amongst the general public and those wishing to be considered for trial entry.
  • To raise the profile of the importance of, and increase patient and public involvement in cancer research design.
  • Senior clinical support for research teams.

With a background in haematology oncology, Nikki has worked within the early phase clinical trials unit for over thirteen years. Starting in the position of research nurse, she progressed to become team leader and then took up the position of senior nurse for research and engagement for CRUK in 2014. Working in collaboration with the consultant nurse, she supports the nursing team in delivery of a portfolio of phase I & II oncology and haematology trials, many of which are first in man studies. This can involve input during site evaluation and site initiation visits to support the research team and investigators, and input into staff development and training. She can also be found supporting the nursing team in the delivery of novel agents in the clinical space.

In addition, and as part of her engagement role for CRUK, she visits patient support groups, the local Maggie’s centre and supports public events such as international clinical trials day in an effort to increase both understanding of and participation in clinical trials, as well as increasing support for the organisation. More recently she has been involved in the development of film and written information about the unit, aiming to improve understanding of early phase research participation for potential patients.

She has a keen interest in improving patient and public involvement in research by raising awareness of the importance of a lay perspective in all aspects of trial design and delivery. Nikki hopes to be a major influence in the improvement of PPI in Oxford going forward, leading on recruitment of lay people to work alongside researchers, aiming to improve relevance of research as well as improving accessibility through improved written and verbal communication, and more palatable research design.