Meet Kerry – one of the Research Nurse’s behind our groundbreaking clinical research

This International Nurses Day we are celebrating the dedication, compassion and expertise of nurses working across healthcare and research.

Our nurses play a vital role not only in caring for children and young people every day, but also in helping to shape the future of paediatric healthcare through research and innovation.

As Sheffield Children’s celebrates 150 years of caring for children and young people, research continues to be at the heart of our mission to deliver outstanding care and discover better treatments for the future.

Kerry Forrest joined Sheffield Children’s as a Research Nurse in January 2025. Having initially trained as a photographer, she decided to pursue a career in nursing after being inspired by what she saw when doing freelance photography at the hospital.

“My first degree was in photography,” Kerry explains. “I did some freelance work for the Children’s Hospital Charity covering events and celebrations at Sheffield Children’s including the winter ball, half marathon, and ward openings.

“The time I spent in the hospital inspired me to retrain and do a nursing degree at Sheffield Hallam University. On qualifying, I went straight into neonatal care at Bassetlaw Hospital in Worksop, working with premature and sick babies.

“I was fascinated at how quickly treatments and processes advanced, and this ignited my interest in research.”

Driven by that interest, Kerry applied to do a master’s degree in Clinical Research at the University of Sheffield at the same time as applying for the research nurse post and was over the moon when she got a yes to both positions.

“Research nursing is about advancing treatments and technology to help treat a range of conditions and it is fantastic to be a part of that journey of discovery.”

Kerry is currently working on the endocrine portfolio, which includes weight loss and diabetes, as well as vaccine and asthma trials. She loves the supportive atmosphere in the team, and the range of expertise among her colleagues.

“I’m constantly amazed at how many trials are active and how invested all the staff are in their specialities,” added Kerry. “It’s such a fantastic atmosphere in the Clinical Research Facility (CRF), everyone has been so supportive, and the training has been second to none.

“I’ve already witnessed the astounding difference research makes to children and their families, and the role it has in advancing children’s care. Being part of this journey is extremely rewarding.

“My transition into research is by far the best decision I ever made. Research nursing is more than just a job. It has been a huge privilege joining both Sheffield Children’s and the research team, and I’m looking forward to what the future brings.”