How to get into research: a guide for physio students and new graduates

Top tips for physio students and new graduates

If you’ve ever thought research was only for university lecturers or senior clinicians, you’re not alone. The truth is that research begins with the everyday questions you ask on placement or in practice. 

You might think research is something for later in your career but as a student or newly qualified physio you’re in the perfect position to explore, question, and contribute. 

Research is one of the four pillars of practice alongside clinical, leadership and education, and it plays a vital role in shaping evidence-based care, improving outcomes and developing the profession. Here we outline how you can start taking steps to build your research pillar.

Find your people: join a network

Getting involved in a research network is a great way to boost your skills and build confidence.  The Community for Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) is a free, UK-wide network that champions research across the allied health professions. 

CAHPR has regional hubs across the UK offering practical support and opportunities to connect with others. It hosts workshops and events where you can grow your skills, meet like-minded professionals, and access resources, such as an AHP funding directory.

CSP professional networks are member-led groups that support physiotherapists in specific areas of interest (for example, patient population, clinical specialties or techniques) through networking, education, research, and the promotion of evidence-based care.

By joining a professional network you can connect with their research officers, who can offer research guidance and support aligned with your specialist area.  

One example is Physiotherapy Research Society (PRS) which brings together physiotherapy clinicians, academics, students and researchers with an interest in advancing the evidence base for physiotherapy practice. PRS holds an annual scientific conference showcasing physiotherapy research across topics and specialisms and providing an opportunity to promote presentations, posters and networking. PRS also offers workshops on everything from abstract reviewing, research methods to publishing. 

Start small: build research skills

Research skills can be developed in many ways, and your journey into building a research pillar may look different from someone else’s. Our top tip: start with what’s accessible to you.

NIHR Learn and eLearning for Healthcare provide great short course options to help build your research skills. Plus, don’t forget the valuable support available through university libraries, NHS Knowledge Services and the CSP elKAS (eLibrary, knowledge and archive services), which can help with literature searches and navigating research databases. 

Reviewing articles and using critical appraisal checklists can further strengthen your evidence-based practice.

Taking up opportunities as they arise is a valuable way to build experience. For example, you could get involved in an audit or quality improvement project, or contribute to someone else’s study, all of which offer insight and valuable reflection time. 

Undertaking a research placement is also a great way to develop practical research skills in a real-world setting. These placements are available across the UK and can offer valuable experience alongside your studies. 

Dr Maria Sanchez Puccini, from Manchester Metropolitan University, highlights the benefits of their research placement programme.

She said: ‘The undergraduate physiotherapy elective research placement enables students to apply and build upon the knowledge and experience gained in previous modules.

‘Through theory and practical sessions, based on staff’s current live research projects, students gain knowledge and skills in various aspects of research, emphasising the importance of conducting high-quality research with impact.’

Don’t go it alone: find research support

There’s a friendly and welcoming research community ready to support you. Mentors and support networks are available through various organisations – the CSP, for example, offers a free mentorship platform while the research and development team provides guidance and support.

Attending research-focused continuing professional development events, such as those offered by the CSP, CAHPR and PRS, is a great way to connect with research-active clinicians.  It can feel daunting at first, but you’re not alone.  As you build connections, even small, evidence-based conversations can open the door to deeper research thinking and understanding.

Research thrives on collaboration. Building a supportive community enhances the quality of your work and helps you share it more widely. Think about who around you might be keen to get involved or help build the evidence base in a shared area of interest? 

From research to impact: share your work

Sharing your work doesn’t necessarily mean jumping straight into publishing academic papers. It can begin with simpler, accessible steps such as sharing case studies, audits, or quality improvement projects with your peers. 

Presenting at conferences – like the CSP student conference or events run by professional networks – is a great way to start building confidence in communicating your research. 

Mollie Stannard, a newly graduated physiotherapist, began this way by presenting at last year’s CSP conference, and shares how she took her first steps into research.

‘Since graduating, I’ve had the chance to reflect on the opportunities that studying provided; particularly how it expanded my knowledge and opened the door to research,’ she explains.

‘The course enabled me to explore topics I was passionate about, develop my presentation skills, and ultimately sparked a lasting interest in academic research and its real-world impact. Naturally, I gravitated toward my interests in women’s health.

‘With support of individuals across my university, I focused on my academic interests: pelvic health physiotherapy and the psychological and professional experiences surrounding miscarriage. 

‘My research journey led to me delivering a presentation, titled ‘Women’s perceptions of support after miscarriage and clinical implications: “Because nobody talks about it...”’ at the CSP conference, thanks to the funding and support from my university.

‘Now, as I step fully into the professional world of physiotherapy, I’m excited to see where the ever-evolving field of research might lead me.’

Take your first step into research today

Now is the perfect time to take your first step into research. Whether you’re reading your first journal article, asking questions on placement, or presenting a student project, you’re already building your research pillar. 

Research is a powerful tool you can use to shape your practice, so we challenge you to take one small step this week: critique an article, join a network, or start a research conversation. 

Every step, big or small, strengthens your confidence, your career, and our profession.