Allied Health Professional Fellowships aim to close critical gaps in brain tumour care

A Teesside University academic is one of the first two recipients of the inaugural Tessa Jowell Allied Health Professional Fellowship in brain tumour care.

The Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) have announced Alice Franklin as one of the two new Tessa Jowell Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Research Fellows.

Teesside University physiotherapy lecturer Alice, who works as a Senior Specialist Physiotherapist with South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I am delighted to have been awarded a three-year research fellowship from the National Institute for Health and Care Research in conjunction with the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission.

“I feel privileged to have such an incredible opportunity to conduct research that is directly linked with improving patient experience. I am really looking forward to working with my experienced supervisory and mentorship team, a collaboration between Teesside University, University of York, Academic Centre for Surgery at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission.

“I hope to foster these relationships and partnerships across these institutions throughout my Fellowship. This opportunity will provide me with protected time from my part-time role as Senior Lecturer in Physiotherapy, to undertake research alongside my clinical role as a Senior Specialist Physiotherapist in neuro-oncology. I hope I can build on the evidence base and positively contribute to improving the journey for patients with high-grade brain tumour.”

As the UK’s first national programme dedicated to AHP-led research in neuro-oncology, the Fellowships mark a pivotal step in strengthening brain tumour care across the UK.

People living with brain tumours face profound physical and psychological challenges, yet rehabilitation and supportive care remain under-researched and inconsistent across the UK.

Launched in June 2025 with investment from the NIHR, the Tessa Jowell AHP Research Fellowships aim to address this by equipping AHPs with the skills, confidence and protected time to lead high-quality applied research in neuro-oncology.

This inaugural cohort marks an important step towards closing long-standing evidence gaps in brain tumour care. Also recognised is fellow recipient Sharon Fernandez, Research Radiographer, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Both Fellowships were awarded following a highly competitive, national and deliberately developmental application process, supported by committee with expertise across neuro-oncology, allied health practice, research and lived experience.

---