Day In The Life Of - Liam Humphreys

As part of a series of 'Day in the Life' stories featuring medical professionals across our region, Senior Research Fellow Liam Humphreys talks about his role as co-lead for Living Well with Chronic Disease at Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC).

What does a typical day look like to you? 

Varied is how I would describe a typical day as a researcher. A lot depends on the study I am working on and my role in the study. Some days can involve desk work, whether that be scheduling appointments, writing bids, papers, or managing data. I often have meetings to discuss current projects or the development of potential projects. The most interesting days involve working with participants to deliver interventions such as exercise sessions or exercise testing. If a study is at the later stages, I will be analysing data and writing reports. In summary, different projects require different skills - sometimes I will be collecting data, other times I will be in the office analysing and writing up findings. 

What led you to work in this role? 

I studied exercise science (BSc) and physical activity for health (MSc) and started my career in the fitness industry before embarking on a career in research. I have now been involved in health research for 14 years, progressing from research assistant to now leading my own research studies as a senior research fellow. Along the way I’ve been able to work on a diverse range of research studies with various methodologies. 

In what way do you work alongside other staff or teams within SYB?

As a researcher, I am often collaborating with a wider team of co-investigators and researchers. Developing these collaborative relationships is an important aspect of research.

A major role of the AWRC is to develop regional, national, and international collaborations.

For my own research, I try and develop collaborations in health care, community, academic, and industry – developing a strong multi-disciplinary team is crucial for impactful research.

What excites you most about your role? 

The enjoyable aspect of research is helping and supporting patients and hopefully seeing them progress, as well as getting the opportunity to develop new projects and answer new questions. It’s also really exciting to work with new researchers and professionals from different specialities. 

Are there any personal or team achievements or highlights you’re most proud of? 

Our cancer research at SHU has progressed over 10 years, which we are really proud of. The Active Together rehab service is a product of all our years of work, and the service is filling a gap in the support provided to patients in Sheffield and South Yorkshire.

In what way do patients or the public influence the work you do? 

Thoughts and experiences from patients and the public are an essential part of developing research projects. I am a mixed methods researcher, which means participant experiences are a key part of the research design and results, and PPI (patient and public involvement) allows us to develop research ideas that are solving real problems.

Looking ahead, what do you hope to achieve in the future within your role?

I am currently writing my thesis, as I am completing my PhD part-time. Following my PhD, my aim is develop further research in the area of Living Well With Chronic Disease. I would like to develop new, exciting research questions and collaborations with other universities nationally and internationally. My main area of interest is to develop more work in the area of exercise for people affected by cancer.