October 18, 2024#wearenorthern
As we approach Research Week, say hello to Tilini Gunatillake, Research Development Manager, Northern Health.
Firstly, what’s your coffee order?
A medium oat cappuccino!
Tell us about your Northern Health journey?
I feel like I’m still a newbie as I’ve been here just under a year (I joined in November 2023). I’m the Research Development Manager working in the Research Development and Governance Unit. My role covers off a few things, but mainly I’m here to support and cultivate the research culture at Northern. My focus is on developing researcher capability by providing the supports, tools, education and training to do high quality research at Northern. I work closely with staff who have an interest in, or are actively doing research, helping them through the lifecycle of the research journey. Mostly to reassure them it’s not as scary as it might seem; particularly in the sphere of obtaining ethics and governance approval!
Why is research so important?
Research, at its core, is about generating new knowledge. It offers the opportunity to explore new ideas, solve problems, challenge outdated theories, and innovate in ways that can be life changing.
In the field of health, research is essential for providing high-quality clinical care. It directly influences health services, and the quality-of-care people receive, which ultimately enhances health practices and improve outcomes for individuals and communities.
But it’s also important to note that not all research is built equally. The utilisation of research methodologies in conjunction with a discerning eye is often needed to help decipher quality. It ensures that researchers have applied a logical and systematic approach to answering the research question. Being able to distinguish between high-quality, credible research and the rest is vital in a world where we are inundated with advice on what to do and what to avoid,
What do you like to do to relax?
I love to workout, which helps balance out my love for food and drink! When I’m not at the gym, you’ll find me hunting for new wine bars, getting lost in a good book, or binge-watching a good show!
What’s your favourite inspirational quote?
I have so many inspirational quotes that I live by.
James Clear has a great one- “Every action you take is a vote for the type of person you want to be”.
But I’m particularly passionate about inclusion, equity and diversity and one that I always think of is “When you feel like you belong, you show up differently…” In the work arena, this is particularly important and leans towards the notion of psychological safety, where there is research 😉 to suggest that it’s the most important characteristic of successful, high-performing teams.
