Beyond the Doctorate: A Conversation with Dr Christine Burt - NHS Director of Research and Innovation
Release Date: 03/17/2026
Beyond the Doctorate: Becoming a Magistrate
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Sheila Chingono, whose career spans law, community service, and health advocacy, to explore why diversifying the magistracy matters and how postgraduate researchers can help shape a fairer legal system. This conversation highlights the importance of representation and social justice within the magistracy, unpacking what the role of a magistrate involves and why diverse voices and lived experiences are so essential. Sheila shares insights into how becoming a magistrate can sit alongside academic or professional careers, and why greater inclusion is vital to...
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Beyond the Doctorate: Looking After Yourself Whilst Studying & at the Workplace
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Fran Quintyne-Peart, Wellbeing Advisor and Psychotherapeutic Counsellor at BCU, for an open conversation about self-care, wellbeing, and navigating the pressures of postgraduate research. Focusing on the experiences of Global Majority postgraduate researchers, Fran explores the often unspoken challenges of balancing study, work, and everyday life, and shares practical strategies for protecting your wellbeing both during your studies and in the workplace. This episode offers honest reflections, supportive insights, and realistic self-care approaches that can...
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Beyond the Doctorate: From Academia to Industry
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Tao Lou, a Talent Specialist in the automotive sector with extensive experience in talent acquisition, graduate recruitment, and performance development, and Dr Maria Kariuki, a former University of Warwick researcher and founder of the Warwick Black Chemistry Student Society and the inVISIBLE project, to explore the journey from academia to industry and the opportunities and challenges postgraduate researchers can face when transitioning into industry roles. Drawing on both recruitment expertise and lived experience, Tao and Maria discuss how employers view...
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Beyond the Doctorate: Networking Skills & Promoting Yourself
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Ana Indi Amona, International Mobility and Partnerships Officer, to explore how networking can support your career development and strengthen your job search. Ana shares practical advice on how to find networking opportunities, what to expect from networking events, and how to build meaningful professional relationships with confidence. She also explores how LinkedIn can be used effectively to grow your network, showcase your experience, and identify future opportunities — including tips on profile building and creating engaging content. Featuring a...
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Beyond the Doctorate: Breaking into Blockchain: Foundations, Careers, and Opportunities for Researchers
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Laurentiu Nae, software engineer, blockchain developer, and Team Leader at Blockchain Advisors, to explore how blockchain is shaping the next wave of digital innovation. Moving beyond cryptocurrency, Laurentiu demystifies how blockchain works and highlights the wide range of career opportunities it creates — from software development and data analysis to consulting, entrepreneurship, and innovation. He also explores emerging areas including Web3, NFTs, DeFi, and sustainability tech, showing how researchers from any discipline can find a place in this...
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Beyond the Doctorate: A Conversation with Dr Christine Burt - NHS Director of Research and Innovation
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Christine Burt, Director of Research and Innovation at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, to explore her career journey from academia into research leadership within the NHS. Christine reflects on her background as a researcher at the University of Birmingham and Aston University, from completing her PhD and postdoctoral work to teaching and lecturing roles, before moving into senior leadership in healthcare research and innovation. She also shares insights into her work leading CHART (Community Healthcare Alliance of Research Trusts), a...
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Beyond the Doctorate: In conversation: How to Apply for a Post-Doc
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Eli Ashong, Research Assistant on the That’s Me! Project; Dr Joy Malala, Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick; Dr Julie Blake, Research Innovation Impact Consultant at CO-INNOVATE; Dr Prithvi Perepa, Associate Professor at the University of Birmingham; and Dr Smith Ouma, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the Global Development Institute, for a panel discussion on navigating the postdoctoral application process. Applying for a postdoctoral position is a key step for many researchers looking to advance their academic careers, and in this...
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Beyond the Doctorate: In Conversation - Post-Doc Experiences and Opportunities
That's Me! Podcast
In this third episode, we’re joined by BCU colleagues Dr Jaqueline Taylor, Senior Lecturer; Dr Sulayman Bah, Postdoctoral Research Assistant; Dr Karen Patel, Associate Professor in Media and College Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; and Dr Rabia Arshad from University Alliance for an interactive conversation focused on sharpening your interview skills. Through a dynamic and conversational mock interview format, our guests share practical insights, real-time feedback, and effective strategies to help listeners navigate job interviews with greater confidence. From...
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Beyond the Doctorate: Mastering Interview Skills for Career Success
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Fran Pheasant-Kelly, Head of the Centre for Film, Media, Discourse and Culture Research, and Professor Yong Wang, Head of the Management Research Centre at the University of Wolverhampton, for an interactive discussion on building the interview skills needed to navigate today’s job market with confidence. With a particular focus on academic roles, this episode explores common interview formats, effective preparation strategies, and practical techniques for answering challenging questions. Fran and Yong share insights on how to present your skills,...
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Beyond the Doctorate: Future Scholars and Boost your Career - Become a Brilliant Club Tutor
That's Me! Podcast
In this episode, we’re joined by Rosa Smith, Tutor Engagement Director at The Brilliant Club, an award-winning charity working to improve access to higher education for disadvantaged school students across the UK. We explore how The Brilliant Club recruits, trains, and pays doctoral and post-doctoral researchers to deliver university-style teaching programmes to small tutorial groups in state schools, helping young people with aspirations to attend university build confidence and academic skills. Rosa shares how researchers can get involved with The Brilliant Club to develop valuable...
info_outlineIn this episode, we’re joined by Dr Christine Burt, Director of Research and Innovation at Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, to explore her career journey from academia into research leadership within the NHS.
Christine reflects on her background as a researcher at the University of Birmingham and Aston University, from completing her PhD and postdoctoral work to teaching and lecturing roles, before moving into senior leadership in healthcare research and innovation. She also shares insights into her work leading CHART (Community Healthcare Alliance of Research Trusts), a national initiative to grow research in wider healthcare settings, and Community Connexions, which strengthens patient and public engagement to help shape research and address health inequalities. This episode offers valuable perspectives on research careers beyond academia, leadership, and the power of community-centred innovation.