My UEA Story: Dr Caitlin Notley
My name is Caitlin Notley, I am a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health and a Fellow of the UK Society for the Study of Addiction researching at the Norwich Medical School.
Research interests:
I am a social scientist with extensive experience in Addiction research. I undertake mixed methods research, with expertise in qualitative approaches and process evaluation of clinical trials. My fellowship programme of research on tobacco smoking relapse prevention focuses particularly on working with vulnerable groups. I am the lead for the PReS Study (preventing return to smoking postpartum), developing a complex intervention to support sustained abstinence from smoking following childbirth. I have research interests in alternative nicotine delivery devices, primarily exploring social and culturally pertinent aspects of vaping. My work particularly emphasises the public health potential of vaping for smoking relapse prevention.
What appealed to you about your fellowship?
The funder is specific to my research area. Having a fellowship has afforded me the space and academic freedom to develop my own independent programme of research and to move into a position of research leadership. Being funded has created collaborative research opportunities, supported my training in the field and in research methods, and supported me to attend conferences that have been key to meeting contacts and forming ongoing research collaborations.
How's it going so far?
I had a five year fellowship at 60% wte. I am in the final 12 months of the fellowship. It has been a fantastic experience. In the last five years I have secured national and international external funding as Principal Investigator on a number of studies. I have become an active member of a network of researchers in my field, and have developed a research niche in relapse prevention. As a result of this I receive regular invitations to speak at conferences and other institutions, have been asked to assist with organising conference programmes, and have become actively involved in the work of the Society for the Study of Addiction.
Having a Fellowship has afforded me the space and academic freedom to develop my own independent programme of research and to move into a position of research leadership.
One of the key achievements of my fellowship has been building research capacity and developing infrastructure. I am the lead for the UEA Addictions Research group, that was established as a direct result of my fellowship finding.
What's life at UEA like?
I studied at UEA and live in Norwich. The Research Park at UEA offers excellent opportunities to be involved in cutting edge research and to form multidisciplinary collaborations.
Norwich is a great city to raise a family, having all the amenities and facilities of a city, but easy access to green space, beautiful countryside and coastline.
Any advice for would-be-fellows?
Make contact with academics working in your field. Ask for opportunities to assist with research, to shadow research teams, to contribute your skills and experience. Plan an application well in advance. Seek collaborations and advice from experts in your field. Make sure your fellowship proposal is achievable, but also something challenging and inspiring to you personally.
Caitlin's Project
My fellowship programme of research on tobacco smoking relapse prevention focuses particularly on working with vulnerable groups.