Gemma Owens, Consultant Gynaecological Oncology Surgeon and Research Lead for Gynaecology at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, has been selected as a successful candidate for the NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Clinical Research Investment Scheme (CRIS).
This prestigious award marks an exciting step forward both for Gemma’s academic career and for the Trust’s ambitions to strengthen its research credentials and move closer to achieving university hospital status.
Gemma, who returned to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals as a consultant in 2024, brings a wealth of clinical and academic experience to her role. She previously undertook her PhD in Manchester and completed subspecialty training in gynaecological oncology in Cardiff, having already spent time with the Trust as a trainee in obstetrics and gynaecology. Since joining, she has built strong research links with academic partners at Lancaster University, the University of Lancashire, and the University of Manchester.
The CRIS award provides protected time and funding to allow promising NHS consultants to develop as independent clinical researchers. Over the next two years, Gemma will spend one day per week leading a pilot study exploring new, non-invasive diagnostic methods for womb (endometrial) cancer - the fourth most common cancer affecting women in the UK.
Gemma’s award and the broader research vision it represents have been made possible thanks to the leadership and mentorship of Pierre Martin-Hirsch, Director of Research and Innovation, who was instrumental in ensuring Lancashire Teaching Hospitals became a partner in the Manchester BRC. His support has been vital in guiding Gemma at this key stage in her academic journey.
"This award is a significant milestone for me personally, and I’m incredibly grateful to the Trust and to colleagues in Manchester for their support,” said Gemma. “The project itself tackles a real clinical challenge - how we diagnose womb cancer in a way that’s effective but also less invasive for women.”
Currently, women presenting with postmenopausal bleeding - a potential warning sign for womb cancer - are referred into hospital for a series of uncomfortable and often distressing procedures. These include a transvaginal ultrasound scan, hysteroscopy (where a small telescope is inserted into the womb through the cervix), and a biopsy.
Yet, only one in 20 women who undergo these tests will actually be diagnosed with cancer.
“There’s a huge burden on services - and on women - from these invasive tests, most of which turn out to be unnecessary,” Gemma explains. “We want to find a better way to identify which women truly need these investigations and who can safely be reassured.”
Her pilot project, supported by the CRIS scheme, will examine whether urine and vaginal fluid samples can be used to detect womb cancer using a technique called infrared biospectroscopy. This method uses light to analyse the molecular composition of biological samples and generate a ‘fingerprint’ that can distinguish between cancerous and non-cancerous tissue.
Previous studies have shown promise in using similar techniques for other cancers, and Gemma hopes this proof-of-concept research will lay the groundwork for a simple, affordable point-of-care test that could be used in primary care or remote settings.
“If we can develop a reliable, non-invasive test, it could be transformative,” she said. “It would allow us to reassure many women much earlier, reduce pressure on secondary care, and prioritise investigations for those most at risk.”
As well as her research, Gemma is enthusiastic about the opportunities the CRIS award offers for professional development and collaboration. Through the Manchester BRC, she will gain access to mentorship, research training, academic seminars, and an expanded network of clinical and academic colleagues.
“The CRIS application wasn’t just about the science - it was also about personal potential and what I can contribute back to the BRC. It’s an investment in developing future clinical research leaders, and I’m excited to be part of that.”
This success reflects the growing research ambitions of Lancashire Teaching Hospitals. As the Trust continues to strengthen its academic infrastructure, awards like this bring it closer to its goal of becoming a university hospital - a designation that would formally recognise its role in research, education, and innovation.
Gemma’s research will take place over the next two years, supported by collaborators in Manchester and locally, including statistical and laboratory teams. Her long-term aim is to build an independent research portfolio and ultimately secure a joint clinical-academic appointment through one of the Trust’s university partners.
“It’s early days, but this award gives me the space and support to pursue that goal. I’m excited to see where it leads - both for me and for the wider research community here at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals.”
