Dr Scholl Foundation funds Hospice Researcher Lonan Challis to undertake Ph.D.

An exciting new era in the growth of the Scholl Academic Centre at Hospice Isle of Man has begun as local research assistant Loni Challis started her PhD studies with the University of Liverpool at the beginning of March.   Loni, who is a graduate of University College Man, will be working on a project involving understanding and measuring the societal costs and consequences of palliative care for advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), what influences these, and explore potential ways to improve efficiency.

She will be based at the Scholl Academic Centre, but will be registered with the University of Liverpool and academically supervised by Professor John Ellershaw, Dr Stephen Mason and Professor Dyfrig Hughes at the Palliative Care Unit in the University of Liverpool.  The on-going partnership with the University of Liverpool has enabled the team at the Scholl Academic Centre to attend, research meetings virtually and benefit from their extensive expertise of research and developments in Palliative and End of Life Care. 

Mrs Challis said “I am thrilled, honoured and excited to be undertaking my PhD whilst based on the Isle of Man and I will endeavour to ensure that the research is for local and global benefit.  I am very grateful for the support from Hospice Isle of Man, Scholl Academic Centre, and to the Dr. Scholl Foundation enabling me to benefit from this remarkable opportunity.”

Professor Ellershaw said “We are delighted to welcome Mrs Challis as a PhD student at the Palliative Care Unit at the University of Liverpool.  We look forward to supporting this important area of research and strengthening our links with the Scholl Academic Centre.”

Loni’s research studentship is fully funded by a grant from the Dr. Scholl Foundation.  The Foundation have supported the Scholl Academic Centre for 3 years enabling it to grow and be recognised for its outstanding research with publications and presentations at local, UK and international meetings and palliative care networks.

Anne Mills, Chief Executive of Hospice Isle of Man said “This is a real first for our island and our relationship with the Palliative Care Unit in Liverpool goes from strength to strength. I am delighted to support Loni to undertake her Ph.D. studies, she is an exceptional early career researcher who is thriving under the mentorship of Professor Sarah McGhee and Professor Ken Mills who both give freely of their time and expertise to volunteer at Hospice.”

The outputs from Mrs Challis’ project should benefit the island and beyond by giving a better understanding of the impact of palliative care interventions for advanced COPD on health and care outcomes. This truly is Local Research with Global Impact at its very best.