Nicky Cullum is Professor of Nursing at the University of Manchester. She applies epidemiological and health services research approaches to nursing. Her work addresses the common and costly condition of complex wounds. She has led the largest trials in the world in preventing pressure sores and caring for leg ulcers. Her research has provided the evidence base for clinical practice guidelines across the world and has led to improved patient care. The UK-wide involvement of nurses in her multicentre trials has helped to disseminate an evidence based approach to wound care and to increase research capacity throughout the NHS.