At Birmingham City University, the That’s Me! project is about improving access to postgraduate research and professional careers while amplifying diverse voices and lived experiences. By sharing these stories, we show how research, leadership and inclusion can transform not only individual careers but the cultures of our organisations.
For this spotlight, we spoke with Professor Tonny Veenith, Consultant in Intensive Care and Neurosciences at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, about his work, his leadership roles in research and training, and why he believes that research is everyone’s business.
Can you tell us about your role and what you do?
“I’m a clinician — a consultant in intensive care with a special interest in neurosciences, particularly acute brain injury. Whether it’s trauma, stroke, or seizures, I care for patients experiencing some of the most critical conditions imaginable.”
“These are often the sickest patients in the hospital, and I look after them in the critical care unit.”
“Around half of my role is dedicated to research. As Clinical Director for Research at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, I lead our R&D efforts — bringing in new trials, ensuring they’re safely delivered, and supporting clinicians across disciplines.”
“I also deliver clinical trials nationally and internationally — across the UK, Europe, and the Global South — to address healthcare inequalities.”
“Finally, I hold national leadership roles with the Royal Colleges, chairing the National Institute of Academic Anaesthesia for trainees and advising the Royal College of Anaesthetists. It’s about shaping the future of academic training.”
What do you enjoy most about your work?
“At the heart of everything I do is research and patient care. Connecting clinical practice with research is deeply rewarding, because it directly improves how we care for people.”
Why do you say that “research is everyone’s business”?
“Research isn’t reserved for academics or professors. Every clinician, nurse, and therapist has a role to play.”
“If you care for patients, you’re already asking questions and collecting data. That curiosity is the foundation of research.”
“When research is embedded in everyday practice — in ward rounds, in decision-making — that’s when real innovation happens.”
“We need to stop seeing research as a separate career path. It should be part of clinical life at every level.”
How does The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust support that vision?
“Our Trust has invested in building research capacity and protecting time for clinicians to get involved. We want research to be seen as part of the job — not an optional extra.”
“That means mentoring new researchers, partnering with universities, and aligning research training with quality improvement.”
“It’s also about inclusion. Diverse research teams ask better questions and find better answers — so we actively encourage people from all backgrounds to get involved.”
What value do postgraduate researchers bring to the NHS workforce?
“Postgraduate researchers bring critical thinking, analytical skills, and the courage to challenge the status quo — and that’s how services improve.”
“They also develop resilience and leadership. Running a research project is like running a clinical service — you plan, coordinate, lead, and evaluate.”
“From a recruitment perspective, these skills are gold. Researchers raise standards and drive innovation.”
What advice would you give to those starting out?
“Start small. Join a study in your department. You don’t need to lead a trial to be a researcher — every contribution matters.”
“Find a mentor who believes in you, and a team that shares your curiosity. Research is a team sport.”
“And never lose sight of the purpose — it’s about improving care for patients.”
What advice would you give to employers wanting to embed research more fully?
“Create the time and culture for research. Protected time is vital, but so is encouragement.”
“Celebrate research achievements just as you celebrate clinical ones.”
“Build links with universities and national networks. When staff see research as a natural part of their career path, they engage more.”
Professor Tonny Veenith’s career is a testament to the power of care and curiosity. From critical care to global research leadership, his message is clear:
“Research is everyone’s business — and when we all take ownership of it, patients benefit.”
Stay tuned for more That’s Me! spotlights as we continue to share how employers and researchers across the West Midlands are driving inclusion through education and evidence. Learn more about the project at https://www.bcu.ac.uk/research/thats-me
