Behind every medical breakthrough lies something deeper than technology, the courage, ethics, and collaboration that make progress possible. In this blog, Dr Richard Dune reflects on his early years as an NHS research nurse and how those experiences shaped his understanding of ethical practice, governance, and innovation. He traces the evolution from paper-based systems to today’s digital research governance frameworks, highlighting how technology, compliance, and humanity must work together to protect patients, ensure integrity, and keep healthcare research worthy of public trust.