CHORAL (Child Health Outcomes Research at Leeds) has announced Professor Niina Kolehmainen as its first clinical academic health and care professions’ chair. Professor Kolehmainen brings more than two decades of experience spanning clinical practice, research and leadership in child health.
Professor Kolehmainen started her career as an occupational therapist and has worked across paediatric services, acute and community mental health, and research. Professor Kolehmainen joins CHORAL from Newcastle University, where she led large-scale research involving a range of disciplines, focused on improving outcomes for children with health and developmental challenges.
Her appointment marks a significant milestone for CHORAL, she says:
“This is the first time that there has been a post like this – a combined clinical academic job that I could actually apply for. Throughout my career it’s been the case of creating opportunities through research funding. Nationally, this role is genuinely innovative and forward-looking.”
Why Leeds and CHORAL?
Professor Kolehmainen has collaborated with research colleagues in Leeds for more than 15 years and says the city has consistently impressed her with its commitment to child health research.
“Leeds is the only place that has been involved consistently in all of my research projects. There has always been a depth of commitment, interest and shared leadership here. Nationally, Leeds has built something really special over many years, and CHORAL provides an opportunity to connect that work in new ways.”
Clinical research at CHORAL takes place across Leeds, including Leeds Children’s Hospital as well as community locations with the Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust. The work brings together clinical services, academic expertise and the voices of children and families to shape research that is grounded in real-world care.
What ultimately compelled Professor Kolehmainen to join was CHORAL’s commitment to meaningful collaboration and improving outcomes for children.
“People here are doing things for the right reasons. There’s an honesty, authenticity and focus on improving outcomes for children that is incredibly appealing.”
Improving outcomes for children through everyday life
Throughout her career, Professor Kolehmainen has been driven by a simple but powerful question: what do children and families want to do in their everyday lives, and how can we help them do it?
Her research focuses less on specific health conditions and more on the everyday activities that can impact children’s health, including sleep, play, independence and participation in life.
Increasingly, Professor Kolehmainen’s work has focused on younger children, with a particular interest in prevention and early intervention with children who face early-life health challenges.
A key focus of her role at CHORAL will be strengthening support for children and families in their everyday lives. This will include homes and community locations in partnership with Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, as well as in children’s research at NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Leeds.
“How can we support children to live well and continue to develop well? We know sleep, active play, relationships and everyday routines have a huge impact on children and families, but there are still many unanswered questions about how best to support them.”
Creating a home for the next generation of researchers
Alongside advancing her own research, Professor Kolehmainen is committed to developing future clinical and practitioner researchers.
As one of a small number of allied health professionals who have built successful research careers in child health, Professor Kolehmainen has spent much of her career helping create opportunities for others. She has previously mentored and supervised colleagues in Leeds, as well as nationally.
Professor Kolehmainen believes that CHORAL now has the potential to become a national hub for a growing and diverse community – with researchers, health and professionals, children, and families working together.
“What’s really exciting about CHORAL is the potential to create a home for people from many different backgrounds to conduct research, from allied health professionals, nurses, healthcare scientists, methodologists, data scientists and many others.
“By bringing together people at every stage of their careers, from students through to senior researchers, we can create the kind of community that drives innovation and ultimately improves outcomes for children and families.”
As CHORAL continues to grow, Professor Kolehmainen’s expertise, leadership and commitment to collaboration will play an important role in shaping the future of child health research across Leeds and beyond.