Dr Stephanie Hanley was awarded the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Three Schools' Mental Health Programme Postdoctoral Launching Fellowship in 2024. She is committed to delivering research that drives meaningful impact in addressing maternal health inequalities.
The fellowship has allowed Stephanie to take ownership over all aspects related to the delivery of a research project, “As examples, I have set up a patient and public involvement and engagement group and a project advisory group to advise on project activities and I have led on the development and strengthening of relationships with individuals and groups in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector to support with advertising, identification and recruitment.”
Stephanie’s research supported by the Fellowship is entitled 'Understanding the mental health care needs of pregnant women and new mothers with language barriers (MOTHER)'. “I feel privileged to have been awarded the 18-month fellowship, which provides a valuable opportunity to conduct early exploratory work.
I am passionate about advancing this in the future to implement co-developed recommendations to improve mental health care and support for pregnant women and new mothers experiencing English language barriers.”
In preparation for her fellowship application, Stephanie received invaluable support from colleagues at the University of Birmingham, as well as further afield. “I sought support from peers and current fellows both internally at Birmingham and externally which was instrumental in helping me to develop my fellowship application.
It was very helpful to have sight of previously funded fellowship applications to help guide my thinking and plans.”
Stephanie is available for any colleagues considering applying for a fellowship who wish to seek guidance and has some helpful advice to share: “Start early, seek out a supportive advisory team, make use of the resources and support available at Birmingham.
Develop and clearly articulate your research and career vision, engage meaningfully with patient and public partners and be prepared to go through multiple drafts of the application!”