The British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists

Research Committee

The Research Committee deals with research activities related to the prosthetics and orthotics profession. Their work provides a platform to enable a research culture within the prosthetic and orthotic profession. Its main aim is to help increase research capacity and capability within prosthetics and orthotics and enable BAPO members to develop and conduct clinically relevant research.

For more information please look at the BAPO Research Strategy and for other documentation and information about funding opportunities keep an eye on the Research Resources page.

If you would like to join the Research Committee, apply here

Laura Barr

COMMITTEE CHAIR

Laura graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2007 and works as an Advanced Practitioner within the Orthotic and Orthopaedic services at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Laura has a specialist interest in musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and ankle, she holds a NRS Careers Research Fellowship and is currently undertaking a PhD. She has taught internationally and extensively throughout the UK on the subject of orthotic management, and is passionate about supporting other clinicians in their career development.

    Natalie Chinn

    COMMITTEE MEMBER

    I qualified as a Prosthetist/Orthotist BSc (hons) at the University of Salford in 2017 and recently completed a Masters by Research in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering and Human Movement Science. The focus of my research is upper limb prosthetics, adolescents and sport. I am a member of The Salford Institute of Human Movement and Rehabilitation and am committed to developing as a clinical Prosthetist who undertakes research.

      Graham Nuttall

      COMMITTEE MEMBER

      Graham is the Professional, clinical and operational orthotic service lead at East Lancashire Health Care Trust. He has a keen interest in evidence-based practice and advocates strongly for more research and evidence for the incredible life changing work prosthetists/orthotists do. He is a member of the International Diabetic Foot Study Group (DFSG) and has presented internationally in Luca Italy, 2008, Great Malvern UK 2008 and Porto Portugal 2018.

       

        Paul Charlton

        COMMITTEE MEMBER

        Qualifying with a Diploma in Orthotics from Salford in 1983 I have always been a clinician with an interest in research. This led to doing a Masters in 2008 whilst chairman of ISPO UK and invitations to be part of a number of European funded research projects. However, it was more recently, when trying to get funding to enter more formally into independent research that I understood the complexity of gaining funding and how the academic and research world functions. The difficulty I encountered in getting NIHR funding gave me the idea of creating a group to support other BAPO members to access a career in research and promote research by members of our profession.

          Selina Ross

          COMMITTEE MEMBER

          I recently graduated from the University of Strathclyde in 2025, and have since been working full-time as a Graduate Orthotist in Lincolnshire with Talarmade. Alongside this role, I am undertaking part-time Masters-level study and have begun presenting at professional conferences. I have an interest in Orthotic biomechanics, particularly in relation to foot and ankle musculoskeletal conditions, and I am eager to continue developing my clinical and research skills within this area.

            Anushika Dayananda

            COMMITTEE MEMBER

            HCPC-Registered Orthotist with over 8 years of combined experience in prosthetics and orthotics across both Sri Lanka and the UK. I began my career in Sri Lanka, working in government hospitals and private rehabilitation centres, before moving to the UK and gaining clinical experience within the NHS orthotics service. I hold an MSc in Prosthetics, Orthotics & Rehabilitation Studies and have contributed to clinical practice, research, service improvement, and education. I am currently practising as an Orthotist in Cambridge, UK. My research interests focus mainly on musculoskeletal and diabetic foot care, as well as empowering patient-facing support workers.