Eleanor Richards

What is your background?

I am an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Registrar with a longstanding interest in public health and research.  

My academic journey began during my medical degree at UCL, where I completed an intercalated bachelor’s in Primary Care and Population Health. That was my first real exposure to research and public health methods.  

I later took a year out of medical school to pursue a Master’s in Public Health at the University of North Carolina, USA, which was an incredibly formative experience. The academic environment was exceptional, and I gained indepth training in statistics, epidemiology, and qualitative methods. It was also eyeopening to study healthcare and inequality in a very different cultural and political context.  

After returning to the UK, finishing medical school, and working clinically, I undertook an Academic Clinical Fellowship in Cambridge, which taught me a huge amount about managing research projects, applying for grants, and navigating ethics processes. From there, applying for a Clinical PhD was the natural next step. 

What is the aim of your research?

My research focuses on endometrial cancer, which is the most common gynaecological cancer in the UK. The overarching aim of my research is to develop ways of predicting which individuals are most likely to develop endometrial cancer in the future so that we can plan and assess effective, targeted prevention strategies.  

A key part of my PhD project involves working with Black and South Asian communities to ensure that any future interventions are both acceptable and impactful for groups who have historically been underrepresented in research.  

I feel incredibly lucky because this project combines everything I care about: prevention, health equity, public health, and meaningful engagement with communities. 

Why did you choose Manchester for your Clinical PhD?

I’ve enjoyed every research experience I’ve had – from my Bachelor’s to my Master’s to my Academic Clinical Fellowship in Cambridge – and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career as a clinical academic. But I was very clear that I only wanted to do a PhD if it was genuinely aligned with my passions. After reflecting and speaking with other clinical academics, I realised I wanted to focus on endometrial cancer prevention.  

Around that time, an opportunity arose at the MCRC that matched perfectly with what I hoped to do. Interestingly, I had previously applied for funding with a different team elsewhere, and the feedback I received stated that if I wanted to work on endometrial cancer prevention, the best place to do it was Manchester – and that turned out to be absolutely right. The team here produces impactful research that shapes national clinical guidelines and policy. Their reputation, combined with the supportive and collaborative culture, made the decision to study in Manchester very easy. All my supervisory team, led by Dr Sarah Kitson, are incredibly knowledgeable, engaged, and encouraging. 

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are the same, and that variety is something I really enjoy. My project includes several components, such as analysing large clinical datasets for risk prediction modelling, navigating the ethics processes required for recruitment, running community events and focus groups with Black and Asian women, and laying the groundwork for future health economics analyses.  

Depending on where I am in each workstream, I might spend the day coding and analysing data, developing focus group materials, conducting literature reviews, or organising elements of my stakeholder engagement work. Because the project spans multiple disciplines, I am constantly shifting between tasks, learning to juggle several strands at once, and finding systems that help me stay organised. 

What has been the most rewarding part of your PhD so far?

The most rewarding part has been the community engagement work. Over the past year, I have spent a lot of time connecting with community organisations, attending events, running discussions, and hearing directly from women about their experiences of endometrial cancer. These conversations have shaped my research and improved my ability to talk about gynaecological cancer in a way that is relatable and accessible.  

One of the highlights has been cocreating an endometrial cancer awareness campaign with Black and Asian communities. Working with artists, survivors, and The University of Manchester’s media team to produce culturally representative and meaningful content has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m currently running community outreach events to evaluate the campaign videos, and I always leave those sessions smiling, knowing that real people care about this work and want to be part of it. 

What has been the most challenging part of your PhD?

The biggest challenge has been the shift to project management. Clinical work is structured and provides immediate feedback, whereas research requires long-term focus and a high level of self-direction. With several major workstreams running simultaneously, the never-ending to do lists can feel a little overwhelming at times. 

I’ve had to learn how to set my own goals, build structure into my day, and stay organised. Tools like Microsoft Teams Planner have been invaluable, but it has still been a steep learning curve – especially when balancing enjoyable tasks like coding with more administrative responsibilities.

What are your plans after you graduate?

My PhD has confirmed that I absolutely want to continue along the clinical academic pathway. After submitting my thesis, I will return to clinical work for a while to cement my clinical interests and progress my skills, before applying for an Academic Clinical Lectureship (ACL). An ACL is essentially the medical equivalent of a postdoctoral role, combining 50% clinical work with 50% research over four years.  

In terms of location, I am openminded. I love my team in Manchester and have built strong relationships here, but I would also consider locations that are closer to my family.   

What have been your proudest moments so far? 

Although I am still in the early stages of my PhD, my proudest achievement so far has been the endometrial cancer awareness campaign cocreated with Black and Asian communities. The whole process of the campaign – from running focus groups to working with artists and interviewing survivors – has been a powerful demonstration of what communitycentred partnerships can accomplish. The process has also shown me how valuable it is to engage the public in our research topics, so that future research can be made accessible and relevant to people’s everyday lives. As we refine the videos and prepare to share them more widely, I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved together. 

In the long term, I hope to be remembered for work that addresses inequalities in gynaecological cancer prevention and for helping to ensure that diverse communities are represented in research and policy. 

How has the MCRC/ UoM supported your personal and professional development? 

The support from both the MCRC and The University has been outstanding. I see the opportunity to undertake a PhD as a significant privilege, and I have tried to make the most of the training and development available. I have attended a range of seminars and workshops – from advanced risk prediction modelling to science communication for policymakers and the public. I keep a learning log to track everything I’ve completed, so that I can remind myself of the knowledge and skills I’ve gained when it comes to future job and funding applications.  

I have also secured additional pots of funding from the University and the MCRC, particularly for public engagement activities, which has been crucial in developing the awareness campaign and my other research projects.  

Do you have any roles and responsibilities outside of your PhD?

Yes – several, and they all enrich my PhD experience in different ways. Last year I was a PGR Representative, which allowed me to understand more about how the MCRC operates behind the scenes. I also sit on the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists’ Genomics Committee which has given me insight into how national committees influence and respond to policy changes. 

Outside of academia, I am the Women’s Officer for my local Labour Party. I attended the Labour Party Conference last year as a delegate, which was an incredible experience. And beyond all of that, I am a competitive cheerleader and train twice a week with a team in Manchester. It’s been a great way to meet new friends in Manchester and unwind from my PhD. 

Do you have any advice for people who are considering applying for a PhD?

My biggest piece of advice is to choose a topic you genuinely care about. A PhD is demanding and requires sustained self-motivation, so your research needs to be important to you. 

Take time to get to know your supervisory team—meet them, talk to people in their group, and understand the working culture. 

Think critically about the project plan: where can you make your own mark? What skills do you want to develop? How will the project support your long-term career? 

And finally: just apply. If the topic, team, and environment feel right, it is absolutely worth taking the leap.