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Dr Rosie Ashworth
Name:
Dr Rosie Ashworth
Job Title:
Patient and Public Involvement Lead
Place of work / study:
NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network and ENRICH Scotland
Area of Research:
Co-research with people affected by dementia and other neuroprogressive conditions
How is your research funded:
Chief Scientist Office
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a chartered research psychologist with a passion for working in collaboration with people affected by dementia and neuroprogressive disease. I have worked across different research studies including facilitating clinical trials through to advising on user-led dementia research. I work within the NHS at NRS Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network and ENRICH Scotland to lead two ‘patient and public involvement’ groups known as Partners in Research and RICH Voices respectively. I work part time due to disability and I am continually learning how to balance research with health and wellbeing.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I am a drummer in an indie/rock band
Why did you choose to work in dementia research?
I started working in dementia expecting to rule it out as an area to work in, with the majority of my psychology training up until that point focusing on children and adult services. I started a year long placement in an older adult psychology department and began meeting people living with dementia. Working in dementia felt such a natural fit, and allowed me to apply a ‘biopsychosocial’ approach. I’ve stayed working in the field of dementia ever since.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Celebrate the small wins along the way i.e. when you recruit your first participant, when you’ve started data collection, when you’ve learned something new from your work etc. Research can be a slow, delayed-gratification process, and so celebrating/acknowledging the successes along the way can really help.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus – I would definitely recommend, its a gentle read and includes highly relevant and important themes re: women in science in particular.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Swimming in lochs or binge watching a new series on the sofa
Favourite film of all time?
Hard to pick but ‘The Green Mile’ is the first that came to mind.
Can we find you on Twitter, Instagram or LinkedIn?
Find Rosie Ashworth on LinkedIn
She is brilliant, despite her too modern taste in music; Runrig any day!