IGHI Welcomes Two New Centre Co-Directors
We are delighted to welcome two new Centre co-directors – Professor Christoph Lindner to the Helix Centre and Professor Marisa Miraldo to the Centre for Health Policy.
Category: IGHI people
Rising Faster Than the Sea Levels: Building Youth Resilience in the Philippines
In the Philippines, where typhoons and extreme heat are intensifying, young people are not only witnessing the climate crisis, but they are also living it. The research project Rising Faster Than the Sea Levels is working to understand and support the mental health and wellbeing of Filipino youth as they navigate the climate crisis.
The study is an example of co-developed research done with researchers including Dr John Aruta from De La Salle University, researchers at the Climate Cares Centre and codesigned by the Young Person Advisory Group (YPAG). Sophia Pahulayan, a recent graduate of Dr Aruta’s, is a project facilitator who helped to manage the project and cofacilitate the group discussions alongside young people, a vital linking point between the young cohort and the researchers. This was especially true due to Sophia’s previous research, passion for climate change work, and her ability to speak the local Bisaya dialect in a country with hundreds of dialects and local languages.
Sophia Pahulayana talks about connecting to young people for Rising Faster than the Sea Levels
Involving young people in research
Sophia recruited young people in the area to join the committee which was part of the decision-making process for the research materials and group discussion conversations. This helped to make the project more relevant to the experiences of young people when conducting semi-structured group discussions. This project helped to create spaces where young people can share their experiences of climate change and feel less alone. What makes this more natural free-flowing approach powerful and inclusive is its emphasis on solidarity and active listening. Sophia noted about the young people involved that: “they realised that they’re also basically the same. They may express it differently, but the core of the problem is the same.” The project tailors its methods to local contexts, using dialect and culturally resonant questions to foster trust and connection.
Connecting the climate crisis to our feelings
Sophia explained that the initial prompts were focused on big topics and concepts around climate change and mental health before YPAG realised that the better approach would be to focus on how local changes affected them and those they cared about. While young people may not always have the precise language for climate anxiety, they are deeply aware of how the climate has changed in their lifetimes. “They notice it has gotten different from when they were younger,” Sophia said, “they could still play outside during the summer, but now it’s not the same”. She also highlighted how they wanted the young people to make that connection between the climate crisis they’re seeing to the emotional struggles and the general anxiety they have when talking about the future.
Sophia Pahulayana talks about how Mental Health doesn’t exist in Filipino languages
Validation and Empowerment
For the young people, the project provides a space for validation and empowerment. As Sophia explains, their conversations are deeply intertwined with politics, as they are acutely aware of how government policy and corruption intensify climate catastrophes. They discuss painful memories like the mishandled billions in relief funds after Typhoon Yolanda which severely impacted their developmental years. The typhoon left survivors in their communities without adequate food, housing, or jobs and the corruption after made recovery even harder for the community. To finally voice these frustrations in a supportive environment is profoundly empowering. It transforms a sense of isolated helplessness into a shared realisation: “I’m not the only one thinking this way. I’m not the only one being concerned about this.” This awakening fosters a powerful sense of solidarity, making them feel less alone and more emboldened to empathise and get involved with climate action with their peers, a link which has been highlighted in a study published in Educational and Developmental Psychologist. The study says that “Filipinos who face a greater risk from climate consequences engage in actions that mitigate the climate crisis and prepare for future disasters.”
For Sophia personally, she describes the project as a source of hope and purpose. It allows her to connect with young people on a profound level, facilitating not just discussions but the birth of actionable ideas. Asked what she finds most rewarding about the project, Sophia explained that it is hearing participants say the sessions have given them hope and taught them things they never learned in school.
Time for action
However, this hope is coupled with a driving urgency: “it gives me hope, but at the same time it makes me feel like there’s so much more that we could do”. While processing this emotional weight is crucial, Sophia is eager to take the project to the next level: moving from conversation to concrete action. The goal is to harness this newfound solidarity and sense of agency to help these passionate young people channel their feelings into tangible change within their communities, transforming hope into a resilient force for the future.
The plan is to host spaces like the group discussions where young people and researchers alike can combine the therapeutic benefits whilst also allowing connections with their peers. Young people already working to address the climate crisis need to be provided with a space to collaborate and bring their ideas to life. However, the space also needs to be one where young people can unpack what’s happened to them and deal with the trauma that was ever present when discussing climate disasters like Typhoon Yolanda. Spaces similar to climate cafes can be healthy places to decompress and provide emotional support to young people looking to act against future climate events in their community. Sophia does emphasise that whatever is created must be “tailored to our needs, to the needs of our community and our context.”
Now that the project team has completed the group discussions, they are working on designing interventions. On the 24 September they will be going to Cebu city in the Visayas region of the Philippines to present the preliminary results of the project. This should hopefully open the project to wider connections in the climate action space in the Philippines as a lot of the work takes place in the capital of Manila and few if any of the organisations in this climate crisis hotspot focus on mental health. The project has also just won $30,000 to expand their research in collaboration with John Aruta and Renzo Guinto and Duke University.
Sophia Pahulayana final takeaways from the Rising Faster than the Sea Level project
Rising Faster than the Sea Levels is a project led by Climate Cares Centre funded by AXA Global Research Fund
Further Reading:
Ten years after Haiyan: Building back better in the Philippines
2013 State of the Climate: Record-breaking Super Typhoon Haiyan
The Need for Mental Health Support for Environmental Defenders in the Philippines
Veronica’s Lived Experience story – Mental health impacts of climate change – Philippines
An agenda for climate change and mental health in the Philippines
Climate change and mental health in the Philippines Special Paper
Co-investigators: Dr Emma Lawrance, Dr John Jamir Benzon Aruta, Dr Ans Vercammen, Prof Fiona Charlson, Dr Chloe Watfern, Teaghan Hogg, Dr Sandeep Maharaj, Sophia Pahulayan, D, Georgia Monaghan, Court Kovac, Dr Daniella Watson
Affiliations: Imperial College London, UK; De La Salle University, Philippines; Curtin University, Australia; The University of Queensland, Australia; University of New South Wales, Australia; University of Canberra, Australia; The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Ecomind, Australia
Celebrating Women at IGHI: Driving Meaningful Change in Global Health
On International Women’s Day, we shine a spotlight on the incredible women at the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) who are shaping the future of healthcare worldwide. From pioneering research to innovative policy work, these leaders are tackling some of the most pressing global health challenges —making a real difference in in the UK and beyond.
In this blog, we celebrate their achievements and highlight how their expertise and dedication continue to inspire change. Read on to learn about some of these fantastic women at the IGHI and discover key examples of their work.
Professor Bryony Dean Franklin – Visiting Professor at IGHI
Professor Bryony Dean Franklin is visiting Professor in the Department of Surgery and Cancer at the Centre for Prevention and Management at Imperial College. She is Director of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) North West London Patient Safety Research Collaboration (NWL PSRC), leading research in medication patient safety and the safe use of technology.
Professor Franklin is widely recognised as a research leader within patient safety, both nationally and internationally. She has specific expertise in evaluating technologies that aim to reduce medication errors in both primary and secondary care. She led a recent revision of the World Health Organization’s Medication Safety Curriculum Guide and has recently contributed to collaborative research and quality improvement studies in Brazil, India and Finland. As Co-Editor-in-Chief of the journal BMJ Quality and Safety she seeks to support and encourage others in publishing high-quality research and opinions that seek to improve patient care the world over.
Jennifer Bennett – Senior Postgraduate Administrator
Jennifer Bennett is a Senior Postgraduate Administrator for the PG Dip and MSc Digital Health Leadership (DHL) Programmes. She is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the programmes, supporting the students from recruitment to award and all the processes in between, working closely with faculty and teaching fellows to make sure the students get the best academic and pastoral support.
Jenny gained a new perspective on the student experience last year when she completed a L3 Team Leader qualification (CMI). She particularly enjoyed learning about leadership and communication models and evaluating how she could apply them to her work. This echoes the workplace assessments which the PG Dip students are doing, applying theory to practice. The PG students on the DHL programmes are all balancing work, study and personal or family commitments and Jenny has even greater empathy for students with looming deadlines! She is pleased to have achieved a Distinction. One of the projects she reflected on was the 2024 refurbishment of the office environment of 1070 at QEQM which has become a more inviting space for collaboration with colleagues.
Recently Jenny has introduced some processes to streamline the administration of benchmarking assessments and bulk uploading feedback to the VLE. She is also looking forward to contributing on further working parties to identify Imperial’s new VLE.
Melanie Leis – Director of Policy and Analysis
Melanie Leis is the Director of Policy and Analysis of the Centre for Health Policy, part of the IGHI. She leads the Centre’s development of analytics tools and policy outputs to support global decision-makers in fields such as patient safety, digital health and mental health.
Melanie leads our partnership with WHO’s Global Patient Safety Collaborative, which provides an opportunity to develop global and country-specific patient safety leadership support and resources. She also leads our collaboration with the charity Mental Health Innovations to deliver policy reports that highlight the key role that digital mental health services play in supporting the UK population. One of the projects she is most proud of is the collaboration with the charity Patient Safety Watch, through which IGHI produces reports on the national and global state of patient safety. The annual launch events of the reports bring together national and global patient safety leaders, including patients. These reports and events ensure that patient safety is at the top of system leaders’ agendas.
Jodie Chan – Public Involvement Officer, Helix Centre
Jodie Chan is a Public Involvement Officer at the IGHI’s Helix Centre, working on projects around safely involving women experiencing homelessness in research, understanding the mental health experiences and support needs of 10- to 13-year-olds, and analysing the impact of long waiting times on patients and the health system.
Jodie works across IGHI to support the meaningful involvement of patients, carers, and public members in research. Within her work, she has a strong focus on deepening and diversifying IGHI’s relationships with its local community and is passionate about supporting community-led research.
She is particularly proud of the relationships she has built with women at the Marylebone Project, a local women’s homelessness service, and of their ongoing work to make research safer and more psychologically informed.
Jessica Shields – Impact Officer, Helix Centre
Jessica Shields is an Impact Officer at the IGHI’s Helix Centre, working across the Centre to keep it running smoothly. Jess works on everything from supporting the scaling up of Helix projects and looking for funding opportunities to communications and coordinating Helix events. Jess also co-chairs the IGHI Wellbeing Working group, heading iniatives to improve workplace wellbeing at IGHI.
Jess is proud to support the Helix team to bring design to healthcare and being involved in the Wellbeing Working Group at IGHI. A particular highlight has been bringing the Helix team together over games and food for the Christmas All-Staff meeting and supporting team members to find funding for projects they’re passionate about.
Dr Jang Ah Kim – Lecturer at the Hamlyn Centre
Dr Jang Ah Kim is a Lecturer at the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Department of Mechanical Engineering. She is interested in researching multidisciplinary approaches to understanding and controlling the interactions between materials and their surrounding environments at the micro/nanoscale. By leveraging this knowledge, she aims to develop innovative and highly precise, minimally invasive strategies for biomedical sensing and robotics, addressing challenges unique to these scales.
The mini lab (micro-nano innovation lab) that Dr Kim leads is built on the belief that big breakthroughs start small. The lab focuses on micro and nano-scale engineering, exploring how light and other physical stimuli interact with materials to push the frontiers of biomedical sensing, soft robotics, and healthcare technologies. The name mini lab itself reflects this vision—written in lowercase to symbolise its commitment to micro/nano-scale research and precision-driven, minimally invasive healthcare solutions, where even the smallest changes can lead to transformative impact. Through this work, Dr Kim and her team strive to bridge fundamental science with real-world applications, advancing the next generation of biomedical engineering solutions.
Although newly established in September 2023, the mini lab has already embarked on exciting foundational research in manipulating micro/nanoparticles and bacterial swarms using light, as well as engineering shape-changing microrobots. These efforts aim to lay the groundwork for novel applications in personalised medicine, such as targeted drug delivery, cellular-level surgery, and local immunotherapy. In the long run, these highly targeted and efficient biomedical solutions could also contribute to addressing broader clinical challenges, including optimising therapeutic strategies and reducing unnecessary antibiotic use, ultimately supporting efforts to tackle antimicrobial resistance—all of which resonate with IGHI’s vision for advancing global healthcare innovation.
Dr Ana Cruz Ruiz — Project Manager, Hamlyn Centre
Dr Ana Cruz Ruiz is the Project Manager at the Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, where she coordinates centre-wide projects across various Technology Readiness Levels, ranging from basic research to medtech translation initiatives. In addition to this role, she leads the Hamlyn Centre’s Global Surgery working group, which focuses on how frontier technologies—such as AI, robotics, 3D printing, and the Internet of Things—can enhance surgical care in low- and middle-income countries.
One of her recent achievements includes organising the Global Surgery Forum at the Hamlyn Symposium 2024, where she co-moderated a panel with Dr Kee Park, Director of Policy & Advocacy at Harvard Medical School. The session, titled “Can Technology and Innovation Help Improve Health Equity?”, addressed the challenges faced by low- or middle-income countries in accessing safe, affordable surgical and anaesthesia care. The panel explored how technology is already helping to address some of these barriers, while also emphasising the need for further collaboration with the engineering community to create scalable solutions.
Ana is passionate about improving health equity in Honduras and in Latin America. Recently, she travelled there to meet with local surgeons, learn about regional needs, and explore ways to collaborate on making surgical care more accessible. She also contributes as a member of the Advisory Council for Honduras’ 2026 National Human Development Report, organised by the United Nations Development Programme.
Georgia Butterworth – Senior Strategy Advisor to Lord Darzi
Georgia Butterworth is a Senior Strategy Advisor to Lord Darzi, supporting the delivery of his wide-ranging portfolio across academic, policy and parliamentary priorities. In this role, she provides strategic advice and coordination across a diverse range of projects, from the Fleming Initiative to the NHS Independent Investigation. Her work is dynamic and varied, often requiring close collaboration with colleagues across the IGHI to ensure alignment across its centres.One of the best things about my role is seeing the great achievements of the different centres in the IGHI and thinking about how we bring it all together for greatest impact. I find it really exciting to contribute to shaping the future of health and care through the IGHI, and inspiring to work alongside many exceptional women in this field.
Jessica Newberry Le Vay – Climate Change and Health Policy Fellow
Jessica Newberry Le Vay is a Climate Change and Health Policy Fellow in the Climate Cares Centre, working on the interconnections between climate change and mental health. Jess recently worked on the Connecting Climate Minds Global Research and Action Agenda, bringing together the perspectives of 960 experts across 100 countries to set out global priorities for climate change and mental health research and a vision for implementing and translating that research to action. Jess was also recently part of developing the People’s Petition, a global collective climate justice call submitted to the International Court of Justice in December 2024 that amplifies the testimonies of 18 witnesses from communities experiencing and responding to the worst impacts of the climate crisis, including impacts to physical and mental health.
Jess currently leads The Compass Project: Guiding minds and inspiring action through climate change education, working with young people and educators in schools and universities to ensure climate change education can equip and support young people with the resilience, knowledge, skills and agency to take climate action and live in an uncertain future.
Dr Emma Lawrance – Climate Cares Centre Lead
Dr Emma Lawrance is the Climate Cares Centre Lead and Mental Health Lead at the IGHI. Emma also leads the Wellcome-funded global initiative Connecting Climate Minds, which has involved over 1000 people across 100 countries to date. She holds an AXA Climate and Health Fellowship to more deeply understand the experiences of young people in the climate crisis in different cultures, what this means for their mental health and wellbeing, and to co-design and evaluate support that can build agency and resilience.
Emma is a recognised global leader in the emerging climate and mental health field, building awareness and capacity across sectors and countries to acknowledge and act for a climate of health and wellbeing. She is an author of key research and policy papers on the topic, including: the first global policy brief; leading reviews of the field as a whole, relevant interventions, and temperature and mental health; studies with young people in the UK, Caribbean and the US (under review), and the Global Research and Action Agenda for climate change and mental health. She has presented globally, for instance at the World Economic Forum, four UNFCCC COP conferences, the World Congress of Psychiatry, OECD and the European Commission and been featured in international media, including Die Zeit, Guardian, Al Jazeera, Sky News, BBC, Forbes, Reuters and others.
She believes in the power of community, and in connecting people and ideas to foster resilience to thrive in a changing world and to create a safer climate for our mental health.
Dr Laura-Maria Horga – Communications and Events Officer
Dr Laura-Maria Horga is a Health Communications and Events Officer at IGHI. She delivers communications and engagement projects across IGHI’s seven research centres of excellence, supporting the Institute’s mission to tackle global health challenges.
Laura has contributed to key projects, including the National State of Patient Safety Report 2024, which gained prominent media coverage for highlighting critical maternity care issues; the Mental Health Innovations Report, which explores digital solutions to meet growing mental health needs (Shout service); the Great Exhibition Road Festival; the Julia Anderson Training Programme; Connecting Climate Minds; the Digital Health Leadership Programme; and many others.
She is currently leading the organisation of IGHI’s annual in-person event, Demo Day, which helps staff learn more about the different workstreams at IGHI, connect with colleagues, foster collaborations, and celebrate the Institute’s achievements.
Laura is also a certified Mental Health First Aider at Imperial College London.
Dr Ivet Angelova – Research Associate
Dr Ivet Angelova has recently joined the MedTechOne programme at Imperial College London as a MedTech Specialist. Her journey into healthtech began with a PhD in Chemical Engineering, where she focused on developing genetically encoded biosensors for monitoring Botulinum Neurotoxins—a project that deepened her passion for turning scientific discovery into practical healthcare solutions.
Shaping the future of healthcare means not only driving research and innovation but also ensuring it reaches those who need it most. As part of MedTechOne, Ivet is currently working towards building a knowledge base that equips early career researchers (ECRs) with the tools to translate medtech discoveries into real-world impact. This resource is shaped by the needs and feedback of researchers across IGHI, the Hamlyn Centre and the wider Imperial community. Covering everything from regulations and quality standards to commercialisation and team building, this resource is designed to help bridge the gap between research and commercialisation. Additionally, she is co-leading the launch of the MedTech ECR Network at Imperial, creating a space for emerging medtech leaders to connect, collaborate, and thrive.
Ivet said “This International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the women driving healthcare forward, breaking barriers, and shaping a future where innovation is inclusive, impactful, and accessible to all. I am grateful to be part of a community filled with inspiring women whose work and determination continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in medtech and beyond.”
Cohort 7 Trainees – Julia Anderson (JA) Training Programme
Caitlin Murphy is as a JA Behavioural Science Trainee in the Fleming Initiative team. She is working in a patient / public facing project focusing on the use of antibiotics and encouraging individuals to finish a course of antibiotics if prescribed.
Arlette Albert is another JA Behavioural Science Trainee in the Fleming Initiative team. She is working part-time alongside Caitlin to develop her skills in qualitative research, behavioural science, patient engagement, and co-designing interventions.
Miranda Watson joined as the JA Trainee in Digital Health. She is working in the Patient Safety team to develop her skills in translating evidence into measurable interventions to improve patient safety in virtual care. She is involved in reviewing the literature, extracting data, and critically appraising available literature to identify safety indicators relevant to virtual consultations.
Supporting the safe and meaningful involvement of women experiencing homelessness in research
IGHI recently received funding from the National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR) for an 18-month project in partnership with the Marylebone Project and Central London Healthcare which focuses on supporting the safe and meaningful involvement of women experiencing homelessness in research.
People experiencing homelessness have shorter life expectancies, poorer physical and mental health, and less access to healthcare than the general population. For women experiencing homelessness, the average age of death is 43 – two years younger than men and nearly half the life expectancy of women in the general population. Many homeless women are survivors of abuse, and more research is needed to provide specialised, female-led support for this group in safe, trauma-informed spaces.
However, the Marylebone Project told us that current research practices can be harmful for the women who take part. Short-term projects where researchers ask participants to answer personal questions and recount traumatic events without taking the time to build trust and rapport do not offer a safe environment for women to authentically share their experiences.
To address this, we have worked together to develop a project which aims to understand how we can meaningfully involve women experiencing homelessness in the design and delivery of our research to ensure it is relevant and safe for participants, while also protecting the mental wellbeing of the women and researchers involved. To do this, we will draw on the psychologically informed practices used by frontline homeless services to protect the mental wellbeing of their service users and staff.
Below, Miriam Kennedy and Chatsuda Chierakul, lead applicants for the project, share what makes this project special and what they hope to get out of it.
Miriam is Centre Manager at the Marylebone Project, the UK’s oldest and largest women’s homelessness organisation with 112 beds and a women’s-only drop in that’s open 24/7, 365 days a year. Chatsuda is a general practitioner and the Training, Education, and Research Lead for Central London Healthcare, a federation of 33 general practices in Westminster caring for over 275,000 patients.
Why did you want to be part of this project?
Miriam: At the Marylebone Project, we deeply value women’s experiences of the world, and we aim to give space for women to use their voice and share these experiences. We support women who are impacted by homelessness and crisis, and they are often hidden in the stats regarding homelessness in the UK. Women face very unique challenges in regard to homelessness. We know how important research is in order to stop homelessness and violence against women, and we wanted to be part of a project which would be holistic, psychologically informed, and where women were at the heart of the research.
Chatsuda: Two of Central London Healthcare’s practices are homelessness practices, and London has the largest homeless population in Europe. Several of our practices are also located in and around the Marylebone area. As primary health care professionals, we are somewhat aware of the difficulties facing women experiencing homelessness, and we already do work with other organisations including adult safeguarding leads and IRIS advocate educators to try to improve the care we offer, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. There is also a significant lack of research with this population, and this project looks at how this can be changed.
What makes this project different from research projects you’ve been part of in the past?
Miriam: I think the main difference is time. So far, our women have been offered much more time and care in this research project. Their ideas, experiences, and stories have not been plucked from them to fill in stats in Excel sheets. Instead, there has been open conversation; safe spaces and hospitality have been offered. Women have felt very safe and the sessions together so far have been more about sharing and listening than accumulating data. Women have left the sessions feeling heard and seen.
Chatsuda: At Central London Healthcare, we have been involved in an extremely wide variety of research projects. We have been involved in some trials which have been open to people experiencing homelessness, but this project is different in that it is designed specifically for women experiencing homelessness, and it is a collaboration between many different organisations who haven’t worked directly together before.
What do you hope to learn and achieve through this project?
Miriam: Our aim is that our women will feel empowered to share their experiences, know their value, and gain knowledge and understanding of how research can be offered in a way which nurtures and cares for the participants. We aim to highlight the issues women face in healthcare and for positive change to be made.
Chatsuda: Ultimately, we all want to be able to improve care and wellbeing for women experiencing homelessness. Enabling research with this population would help with that goal. By reaching out to these women in an approachable way, this should help us better understand what would make the biggest different for them.
Midweek movement: adding movement into your working week
It can be challenging to fit movement into your work week, with deadlines, meetings, and long to-do lists constantly demanding your attention. Hear from IGHI staff about how they integrate movement into their busy schedules and their top tips on how you can do the same!
Meet Anna: The netball enthusiast and fair weather cyclist
Anna Lawrence-Jones, a dedicated mother and Public Involvement Lead, admits that juggling work, family, and household chores often leaves little room for personal fitness. However, she has been making the most of the good weather and buying a Lime bike pass to cycle 20 minutes to Liverpool Street to get her train a few times a week. She sometimes even combines movement with quality time with her husband, by going for a coffee and a cycle to get some extra time together.
Anna also loves playing netball, and plays in a social league every Tuesday evening (and has been playing with some of the girls for over a decade!). In fact this season they won the league, with the winning goal scored in the final second! She makes sure to block out this time in her husband’s diary, so even his colleagues are well-aware of the non-negotiable “POD (parent on duty)” time.
For Anna, movement isn’t just physical – it’s therapeutic. The simple act of being outdoors, soaking in nature without digital distractions, offers her a serene space to destress and reflect. Her top tip is to integrate movement into your work environment by switching one-on-one meetings to a walk down the canal.
Meet Clare: The morning runner and strength trainer
Clare McCrudden, Policy Fellow at IGHI, is a self-proclaimed morning person who loves to start her day with a burst of energy and time to clear her head. Her passion for movement shines through in her commitment to strength training and running.
This year, she’s taken on the ambitious goal of running one half marathon each month – a challenge that keeps her motivated and accountable, even if it comes with a few second thoughts! Clare is running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in October for charity and enjoys mixing up her running routes, including going to running clubs such as Friday Night Lights, which is a fun way to catch up with friends too.
But for Clare, staying active isn’t just about the workout session. She believes that the small things we do throughout the day are just as important. Whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the lift at work or getting off the bus at a stop early, Clare is always finding ways to add extra steps to her day. She’s a firm believer in the importance of regular breaks from the desk and screens to keep both the body and mind refreshed.
Clare believes, “Little by little goes a long way.” She encourages everyone to go easy on themselves and do what they can, anything is better than nothing. Making movement social, like getting a group together for a quick walk, can be especially helpful when motivation dips – particularly in the darker months. These small bursts of activity not only lift spirits but also can help everyone return to work feeling lighter and more energised.
Meet Inês: The early bird and cycling enthusiast
For Inês Baptista, Research Manager to Professor Darzi, IGHI Co-Director, the key to staying consistent with her fitness routine is starting her day early. She makes sure to get her workout done first thing in the morning, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the day. Commuting by bike is another clever way Inês integrates movement into her daily life – ensuring she stays active even during her commute. At work, Inês uses a standing desk, which naturally encourages more movement throughout her day.
Exercise is more than just a physical activity for Inês; it’s a way to stay healthy, active, and in a good mood. The endorphins she gets from her workouts keep her feeling energised and positive, making it a vital part of her daily routine. Exercise is also a therapeutic escape – a way to maintain her mental well-being and stay grounded.
When cycling, Inês finds motivation in the fresh air and the chance to be outdoors, often accompanied by her favourite music or podcasts. Whether she’s riding to work or tackling a HIIT session, the knowledge that exercise is good for her health keeps her motivated to push through. Inês’ advice is straightforward and powerful: “You’ll never regret it, so do it!” This is a reminder that while it can be challenging to get started, the benefits of movement always make it worthwhile.
Incorporating movement into a busy work week may seem challenging, but as our colleagues have shown, it can also become a rewarding part of your routine. Whether it’s cycling to the train station, joining a social sports team, or taking a brisk walk during lunch breaks, movement is more than just exercise – it’s a chance to connect with others, enjoy the outdoors, and take a mental break from the demands of the day. By starting small and finding creative ways to blend activity into your schedule, you can make movement a natural and enjoyable part of your life.
Innovative children’s hospice opens in Italy with support from IGHI
“Arca sull’albero”, a new children’s hospice in Bologna, Italy, was inaugurated last week, marking a significant milestone in children’s palliative care. The hospice, funded by Fondazione Hospice Maria Teresa Chiantore Seràgnoli, is a testament to innovative, user-centred design and care. Researchers and designers from the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI) and its Helix Centre played a pivotal role in its development, ensuring the incorporation of lessons from international best practices and of user-centred innovation.
Access to children’s palliative care is a human right. According to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, “children are entitled to quality health services, including prevention, promotion, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care services.’’ However, 8 million children around the world need specialist palliative care, but only 10% of them actually receive it. Even in otherwise developed health systems like Italy’s, provision of paediatric palliative care is limited.
The new children’s hospice
“Arca sull’albero” is one of the first and most innovative children’s hospices in Italy. It stands out as unique in several key ways. Its architecture, designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, merges functionality with a serene, home-like atmosphere, providing a comforting sanctuary with natural light and open spaces.
The hospice’s care protocols align with global best practices, ensuring the highest standard and continuity of care. Focus on user experience is paramount, with every detail meticulously designed to make the stay comfortable and stress-free for children and their families. Additionally, the hospice’s governance and management processes aim to maximise effectiveness and openness to innovation.
Isabella Seràgnoli, from the Fondazione Hospice Maria Teresa Chiantore Seràgnoli, said:
“The children’s hospice represents concretely the concept of care. Palliative care is not only about treating physical pain, but also psychological pain, and requires attention to the situation of the person and their family. For this reason the hospice is an open and permeable place, a home where social relations and affection are possible and in which to experience beauty.’’
Collaboration with IGHI
The IGHI team has been involved from the project’s inception. Leveraging its extensive expertise and research, IGHI informed the hospice’s strategy and its approach to innovation, ensuring that “Arca sull’albero” not only meets but exceeds global standards in children’s palliative care.
Designers from the Helix Centre engaged with children and their families, including siblings, to understand their needs and put them at the centre of IGHI’s research efforts in this area. They also designed prototypes of innovative solutions that informed the plans of Fondazione Hospice Maria Teresa Chiantore Seràgnoli for the new hospice.
Gianluca Fontana, Deputy Director of IGHI, said:
“It is rare to be able to play an active role in the creation of a new healthcare provider. I am proud of the work of many IGHI team members in researching and designing solutions in children palliative care. I am extremely grateful to Fondazione Seràgnoli for the trust they put in us and for their support of our activities in this space.”
A team from IGHI’s Centre for Health Policy led the development of the report, “The children’s palliative care provider of the future: A blueprint to spark, scale and share innovation”. The report emphasises the importance of innovation in children’s palliative care, advocating for adopting new technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a patient-centred approach. Through interviews with 51 experts in 27 countries, the project identified 9 key features of innovative paediatric palliative care providers:
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- People
- Culture
- Leadership
- Vision
- Organisation
- Partnerships
- Services
- Technology
- Place
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“Arca sull’albero” exemplifies these characteristics, setting a new standard for children’s hospices in Italy and beyond. The report also revealed the opportunity for dedicated advancement of excellence and innovation in paediatric palliative care worldwide. With the support of the partnership between Fondazione Hospice Maria Teresa Chiantore Seràgnoli and the Institute of Global Health Innovation, Global Treehouse Foundation was established and is now working in partnership with innovators, funders, providers and entrepreneurs to address the global lack of access to children’s palliative care.
Laura Dale-Harris, Founder Director of Global Treehouse Foundation, added :
“Arca sull’albero is a model of where the global children’s palliative care field can grow – deep local roots with families, children, and communities – partnered with innovators and expertise like IGHI. We are excited to welcome Arca sull’albero to the community of entrepreneurial children’s palliative care providers around the world.”
The opening event
At the inauguration last week, Gianluca Fontana from IGHI took part in an event alongside Renzo Piano, the building’s renowned architect, paediatric palliative care experts Professor Julia Downing, CEO of the International Children’s Palliative Care Network, and Dr Renee McCulloch from Great Ormond Street Hospital and University College London. The speakers presented the latest development in paediatric palliative care globally to an audience of paediatricians and nurses from the Emilia Romagna region.
Renzo Piano described his vision for the architectural project, an “ark on the trees where children and families can find relief surrounded by the magic and natural beauty of the woods”. Professor Downing presented a global overview of the development of paediatric palliative care services. Dr McCulloch shared her experience working in research and clinical practice in the sector. Gianluca Fontana spoke about the key features of the paediatric palliative care provider of the future.
The future
IGHI is committed to improvement and innovation in paediatric palliative care and in the health of children more broadly. Beside the continued collaboration with Arca sull’albero and Global Treehouse Foundation, researchers at IGHI and Helix have a number of early stage projects working with children and young people, particularly around mental health and rare diseases, for which they are interested in exploring opportunities for further collaboration and funding.
Julia Anderson Careers Event 2024: Inspiring sixth formers with career insights and opportunities to transform global health
- Design and innovation
- IGHI people
- Julia Anderson Training Programme
- Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE)
- World health
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In February we hosted the Julia Anderson Training Programme (JATP) Careers Event 2024 at Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI), a fantastic evening for sixth form students to learn more about our Julia Anderson programme and the IGHI, and get inspired for their future careers.
Sixth formers from different London state-funded schools travelled to The Invention Rooms, at Imperial College London’s White City Campus, to participate in the event. They got the chance to learn more about the opportunities at IGHI, hear some of our staff members’ career journeys, as well as interact with some of the fantastic workstreams we work on to improve people’s health.
About the Julia Anderson Programme and next cohort recruitment
The evening started with Sophie Pieters, IGHI Operations Officer and JATP Programme Lead, welcoming the attendees and introducing the JATP programme, including the eligibility criteria and the new trainee roles available in the summer.
The Julia Anderson Training Programme gives people with limited or no work experience the opportunity to join an impactful stream of work at IGHI, Imperial College London’s. The paid programme gives trainees the opportunity to grow their network, boost their CV and develop applicable workplace skills and knowledge.
Sophie announced the three upcoming roles for the next cohort in July, specifically Analytics and Events Trainee, Public Involvement Trainee and Educational Research Trainee (the first two are open to those with no university). On 14 March, a webinar will be held to provide people with more information on the programme, the training positions on offer and useful advice for the application. Students were highly encouraged to sign up for the webinar.
Career talks from IGHI staff and trainees
Next, some of the IGHI staff and current trainees delivered individual presentations highlighting their career journey, challenges, and other valuable insights from their experience.
“I found the job I loved although didn’t know it existed. It’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do.’’, said Eleni Daniels, Patient Safety Research Centre (PSTRC) Manager at IGHI, who has a background in biomedical sciences and worked in advertising before finding her dream job in a patient safety field.
Amish Acharya, Scientific Advisor to Professor Ara Darzi at IGHI, talked about his ‘unconventional’ career path from medicine, followed by PhD in Behavioural Science, to his current role, where he is contributing to creating research projects and supporting the progress of scientific work. Amish advised:
“Exams don’t represent who you are and what you can do. It’s never too late to change your path, don’t be afraid to try different things – this can often make you more adaptable and rounded as a person.’’
One of our current Julia Anderson Trainees, Tania Domun, a graduate of Population Health and Medical Sciences with a Master’s degree in Public Health, shared her experience so far as a JATP trainee in Behavioural Science and the benefits of joining the programme:
a current JATP trainee. Credits: Rolando Charles
“JATP allows you to develop your skills and support you with the next steps in your career. It’s challenging when you don’t have a mentor or people to help you navigate your professional path. The programme does exactly that, by focusing on you as an individual. It’s a lot about your passions and not your previous work experience. This makes it a unique programme.’’
She also talked about the Imposter syndrome: ‘’I’ve realised many people, including me, deal with this syndrome – don’t let these feelings stop you from applying for the programme. This is the best time to explore possibilities and build new skills.’’
Lastly, Clarissa Gardner, Senior Design Researcher at TPXimpact and Honorary Research Fellow, spoke about her career journey as a ‘learning process’ and how she came about setting the JATP programme, after doing a MSc in Health and Design at IGHI:
‘‘Your job title doesn’t matter as much as your ability to help others and inspire positive change. I recognised the diversity of people at IGHI, so I proposed this programme to create work experiences for people.’’
Interactive activities showcasing IGHI Centres’ work
After these inspiring talks, we organised interactive activities led by each of the IGHI Centres. During these sessions, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the different workstreams at IGHI in small groups and interact with IGHI staff members.
The Hamlyn centre hosted a ‘create your own surgical robot’ activity. Sixth formers were challenged to conceptualise the design of a robot, then turn their drawings into 3D images using specialised software. Hamlyn centre representatives also explained the benefits of surgeons using surgical robots compared to traditional surgery methods, highlighting how they enhance precision during procedures. The participating team included Brandon Davies, Learning Technologist, Nazia Bharde, Project Officer, Robert Merrifield, Medical Design Associate and Salzitsa Anastasova-Ivanova, Facilities Manager.
At one of the Helix Centre stands led by Jodie Chan, Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement Officer, and Clare McCrudden, Policy Fellow from the Change Lab, students had the opportunity to discover how the public can influence research priorities, methodologies, and dissemination for healthcare improvement. They were encouraged to brainstorm alternative names for ‘antimicrobial resistance’ and open the ‘can of worms’ around healthcare data through an interactive activity, sparking further discussions on its benefits and risks.
resistance with sixth formers. Credits: Rolando Charles
They also learned about one of the upcoming JATP roles – Public Involvement Trainee – who will help to involve local youth groups and schools in a project aimed at better understanding the mental health needs of children across the UK and identifying how services can better support them.
The second Helix Centre stand was led by Matthew Harrison, Senior Design Associate, Alex Dallman-Porter, Designer Healthcare Products, and current JATP trainee, Andrew Watt. People were invited to participate in a grip strength assessment activity, during which they were asked to squeeze a ball-shaped dynamometer (‘squegg’) in their hand to measure their frailty levels and compare with their peers. Additionally, the stand showcased a sleeping mat used for measuring heart rate and respiratory rate, along with other environmental sensors designed for individuals with dementia.
Jessica Newberry Le Vay, Climate Change and Health Policy Fellow at the Climate Cares Centre, hosted an interactive session about exploring climate emotions and imagining what future they want to see. The students were challenged to think about the following questions: ‘’How does climate change make you feel?, What stories do you hear about the future?, What would you want the future to look like?’’
People were able to discuss their responses to these questions and see what other people have put. They explored actions that can improve both mental health and the climate, building hopeful and constructive narratives around climate change.
Eleni Daniels from PSRC also had a stand on patient journey. She encouraged students to reflect on healthcare experiences of themselves, their family members, or friends, and to consider how these experiences could be further improved. People shared their thoughts and experiences, engaging in a dialogue that allowed them to open up and explore patient journeys from the GP to hospital settings.
Feedback from sixth formers
We were impressed by the amount of positive feedback we received from the sixth formers. Some examples below:
“I’ve discovered that you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do at this age. It’s more important to be open to learning and taking on new opportunities and experiences.”
“Many internships and training programmes require individuals to meet specific minimum requirements. It’s fantastic to discover that the JATP program doesn’t have such requirements, giving people the chance to gain those skills and build experience.”
“I found the event very engaging and fun. It made me think about my future career, the steps I want to take next and the sort of support I should be seeking. I am keen to apply for this programme!’’
On the day feedback indicated that, among our participants, 90% were inspired for their career after attending the event. According to our post-event online survey, 92% of our participants expressed their willingness to recommend JATP to a friend, while 83% of respondents indicated their intention to apply for JATP in the future.
We are looking forward to seeing people applying for the JATP programme and taking advantage of the tremendous opportunities at IGHI to advance in their careers. The event was made possible by the EDI Seed Fund and we are very grateful for their support.
Celebrating women at IGHI for International Women’s Day
We’re featuring some of the amazing women at the Institute of Global Health Innovation, to celebrate their achievements during Women at Imperial Week 2024.
Meet some of our women at IGHI
From our teaching team…
Christa Hansen, Teaching Fellow, DHL Programmes, IGHI
I work as a Teaching Fellow on the Digital Health Leadership programmes, and across IGHI more broadly. I completed my PhD in Health Economics here at the Business School. Since graduating I have enjoyed coming over to the ‘health’ side, supporting GMPH and BSc students at the School of Public Health, and now NHS clinicians on the DHL programme. I love working in a multi-disciplinary setting, and am proud to be a member of the IGHI team. Personally, I have a 9-year-old daughter who plans to be a ‘discovery scientist’. Any future PhD ‘discovery’ ideas welcome.
Toni Page, Senior Teaching Fellow, DHL Programmes, IGHI
I have the privilege to be working on the Digital Health Leadership programmes supporting health and social care professionals in their journey of developing as digital leaders. I enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team enthused about health and education. My PhD focused on developing a model offering undergraduate nursing students the opportunity to help service users and carers in learning about and using digital health. Embedding digital health into the curricular for health and social care professionals is a topic I am truly passionate about, and I am always keen to work collaboratively with others to achieve this.
Working with the Helix Centre…
Anna Lawrence-Jones, Public Involvement Lead, IGHI
I support staff to meaningfully involve patients, carers and public members in their work. I’m passionate about ensuring people from under-represented groups are heard in research. I lead the public involvement strategy across our Patient Safety Research Collaboration (PSRC) and lead the Public Involvement and Equity Diversity and Inclusion Networks for SafetyNet (a collaboration between the 6 national PSRCs). Working at IGHI has led to me meet and learn from so many talented colleagues, patient representatives and external partners, from diverse backgrounds.
I’ve been at IGHI for 8 years. Each year, there is always new exciting work to get involved in. Currently, I’m working with the charity Mental Health Innovations to set up their first Service User Voice Group, who will help to improve Shout, the 24 hour crisis text line. I’m also working with our amazing data analysts to safely analyse anonymous data from Shout. Service users will shape this work, which we hope will lead to changes in policy and practice and improve mental health care.
Fiona O’Driscoll, Policy Fellow at the Helix Centre, IGHI
As part of the Helix Centre, I work on a range of projects that aim to improve health and healthcare for all with design. I mainly work on projects with our local NHS Trust – Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust – which is also where we’re based at St Mary’s Hospital.
I enjoy working with such an amazing and creative team at Helix Centre and across IGHI. Working on real-life issues and challenges within the NHS is really rewarding, as we hope to make a tangible impact to patient and staff experience.
I worked as a doctor and management consultant before joining the Helix Centre, so have taken a more unconventional route to IGHI! During COVID I also started a part-time Masters in Public Health. It’s been challenging to do in my spare time, but really interesting to apply what I’ve learnt to my projects. My team have also been really supportive in helping me to fit in time to study and take exams, as I’m planning to complete it this year!
Kate Grailey, Centre for Health Policy and Helix Centre Academic Research Lead
I provide academic support to both the Centre for Health Policy and the Helix Centre at IGHI, which gives me the amazing opportunity to collaborate with a huge range of inspiring people – including policy makers, designers, data analysts and researchers.
I also work as a research fellow in behavioural science as part of the Fleming Initiative and in a team called the Change Lab. I really enjoy exploring the determinants of behaviours and co-designing solutions to a range of problems including antimicrobial resistance and patient safety.
Before my time at IGHI I worked clinically as an Anaesthetist and completed a PhD in Psychological Safety.
Clare McCrudden, Policy Fellow, Helix Centre, Institute of Global Health Innovation
I am a Policy Fellow based at the Helix Centre at IGHI. I apply behavioural economics and user-centred design methods to improve healthcare. I work on projects for our NHS partners, as well as within our Health Tech products through stakeholder engagement and involving patients throughout.
It is brilliant to work with such talented and creative colleagues and learn from all the variety of disciplines that make up IGHI! I also enjoy that our work is both hyper local to Northwest London as well as on an international scale, enabling us to collaborate across the globe.
I am a Qualified Social Worker, experienced in both community and hospital settings which is helpful for understanding how our health systems work. I then moved abroad and completed a Master of Science in Global Health where I spent some time in Maastricht, Netherlands and working in public health in Bogotá, Colombia. Once I moved to London, I worked cross cuttingly with the NHS and charity sector in the public involvement space in cancer care, before joining IGHI in 2021!
Dr Leila Shepherd, Managing Director, Helix Centre
Here at IGHI, I have the privilege of leading the Helix Centre and championing the impact of design in healthcare.
What I enjoy most about my role are the inspiring people I get to work with at Helix and IGHI, and also frontline staff and public members. As a parent, I find IGHI to be a great place to flexibly balance professional and personal growth.
An engineer by background, my mission is to use tech for good. As my career has evolved though, I’ve learnt that tech that isn’t designed with users can do more harm than good, and also that tech is not always the answer! This is what makes the design methods we use at Helix to put people and their needs first so important.
From our Big Data and Analytical Unit (BDAU)…
Davina Tijani, Data Operations Manager, Big Data Analytical Unit, IGHI
I am Data Operations Manager for the Big Data Analytical Unit, my main responsibilities are onboarding users to the BDAU Server, dealing with user enquires and supporting data management which includes data transfers and completing data applications. Previously, I completed my undergraduate in Actuarial Sciences at University of East Anglia and my masters in Smart Cities and Urban Analytics at University College London. I love working with and supporting researchers in their clinical research across a variety of disciplines and subjects such as Patient Safety, Mental Health and Cancer to name a few.
Mahsa Mazidi, Big Data and Analytical Unit, IGHI
I lead the Big Data and Analytical Unit (BDAU) at IGHI, where our primary focus is on providing data services and analytical support to researchers engaged in the analysis of sensitive patient data. My role involves overseeing the BDAU Secure Environment (SE), a research space that is ISO 27001 certified and compliant with the NHS Data Security and Protection Toolkit. This ensures that researchers can do their work with the highest level of security and data protection. I have a master’s degree in computer science and have been part of the Imperial community for over 9 years. What I find most rewarding is the chance to collaborate with colleagues from across the College and support their incredible research projects.
From Climate Cares…
Daniella Watson, Research Associate, Climate Cares Centre, IGHI
I am a Research Associate and Health Psychologist working on climate change and mental research projects. I love working with an ambitious team of women at the Climate Cares Centre. With my behavioural science hat on, I am also a Co-convenor and Trainer of ‘Healthy Conversation Skills’ training. Previously I was working on maternal and child health projects in South Africa. Turning points in my career were working with two fabulous psychologists during my undergraduate years, who later became my PhD supervisors, mentors and friends, and also working on voluntary projects in the Caribbean and India.
And Communications…
Victoria Murphy, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Manager
I communicate the amazing work that our colleagues do – engaging the public, influencing policy, and research with global impact. I love that I get to hear the details of what we’re doing at IGHI, and working with different colleagues across all our programmes of work and in various of parts of Imperial.
My career started in a very different way – working in mining in remote parts of Australia. It had its moments – good and bad! I’ve really grown my career since changing my focus to communications and research. I find my colleagues here so supportive and interesting, and I have a lot of respect for their talents. It’s one of the reasons I’ve been at Imperial for over 6 years!
Dr Laura-Maria Horga, Communications and Events Office
I am delivering the communications and engagements across IGHI, to promote the fantastic research and achievements of the Institute. I started in this role over two months ago, and I’m thrilled to contribute to a range of impactful projects aimed at addressing some of the biggest global health challenges of our time.
Everyone I met at IGHI is genuinely friendly, supportive, and passionate about their work. I’m particularly drawn to the creative environment and the opportunities for innovation that it offers. I’m passionate about amplifying researchers’ profiles, highlighting their achievements, and making science more accessible to the public.
Prior to this, I worked in communications at The Institute of Cancer Research for two years. My background is in biotechnology, and my PhD project at University College London focused on investigating the impact of marathon running on orthopaedics using imaging technologies.
Breaking barriers — My path to becoming the Julia Anderson Change Lab Behavioural Science Trainee
In our blog series, we present the captivating stories of the fourth cohort of Julia Anderson trainees. As an impactful initiative at the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI), the Julia Anderson Training Programme (JATP) provides people with little or no prior work experience with paid work experience. Last week, Beatrice shared her unique journey as the Helix Centre Trainee. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to the last trainee, CJ, the Change Lab Behavioural Science Trainee, determined to pursue her dream of becoming a clinical psychologist.
Discovering my true colours
My name is Calea-Jay, but you can call me ‘CJ’—that’s what my friends and family call me. Growing up in the lively neighbourhood of Peckham in southeast London has shaped me in so many ways. I’m an INTJ-T personality type, which means I tend to approach things with an analytical and strategic mindset.
Life hasn’t always been a smooth ride for me. I’m open about my experiences with EUPD (Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder), also known as BPD, which has presented its share of challenges. This means I feel intense emotional fluctuations, moments of fear, and insecurity. But it’s also taught me resilience and the importance of personal growth. Another thing that makes me who I am is my dyslexia, which has shaped my journey and helped me understand the world from a unique perspective. Plus, I’m proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community, which has been an essential aspect of my identity.
In my downtime, I’m all about manga, anime, and music. I’ve got a soft spot for K-Pop, Dancehall, and RnB. I love experimenting with different cuisines in the kitchen - Caribbean and Japanese foods are my absolute favourites!
Paving my path one step at a time
My experiences at the University of Brighton have been instrumental in shaping who I am today. Currently going into my third year, I am pursuing a BA Hons in Psychology and Criminology. This multidisciplinary programme has allowed me to explore the complexities of human behaviour and delve into the intriguing world of criminology.
In addition to my studies, I find immense fulfilment in giving back to the community through volunteering. I am actively involved with Pathway to Health, a charity clinic in Brighton. At this clinic, we provide alternative therapy through ear acupuncture and mental health support for individuals dealing with drug and alcohol misuse. These interactions have been deeply rewarding and enriching for both me and those I support.
As I combine my academic pursuits with my volunteer work and university engagements, I was excited to embark on the Julia Anderson Training Programme at IGHI. The programme’s focus on health and innovation resonates deeply with my aspirations, and this experience is really shaping my journey moving forward.
Embracing opportunities: my application journey towards the JATP
When I discovered the Julia Anderson Training Programme (JATP) at IGHI, it seemed tailor-made to my interests, aspirations and passion to make a difference in the field of clinical psychology and behavioural science. While I had a strong understanding of Imperial College’s reputation, getting to know the IGHI’s work made me even more enticed to join their team and I was motivated by the opportunity to be part of meaningful projects that could truly impact global health.
Finding a first job in the fields of clinical psychology and behavioural science, where experience is often required, can be difficult. However, the JATP offers a chance for individuals with little to no experience to work alongside seasoned professionals on projects aimed at improving global health. Access to training and mentoring, along with networking opportunities, gives trainees like me the chance to expand our skills, learn from different perspectives, and nurture our passion for research and behavioural science.
As someone with no prior experience in professional roles, the application and interview experience were both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But, the recruitment process of the JATP is very impressive, particularly the decision to anonymise applicants and their educational institutions. This approach ensured an unbiased evaluation, providing everyone with a fair chance at the roles.
Making a difference through behavioural science
As a Change Lab Behavioural Science Trainee, my primary focus is to support my team in implementing behavioural intervention projects aimed at improving global health. My responsibilities span a wide range of tasks, including conducting literature reviews, analysing data, conducting interviews, and preparing co-design workshops. Additionally, I collaborate with various companies and the NHS to foster partnerships that enhance the impact of our initiatives.
“My work experience so far with the Change Lab at IGHI has been immensely fulfilling. I enjoy every aspect, from collaborating with like-minded individuals to engaging in behavioural intervention projects. The supportive and encouraging environment within the team has been invaluable, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.” — CJ
One of the current projects I’m engaged in is “Digital Consent for Surgery” in partnership with Concentric and Behavioural Intervention. Currently, the adoption of digital consent forms is low, despite their known benefits. Our aim at the Change Lab is to better understand the barriers to adopt and design interventions that improve usage. One such intervention involves implementing an electronic ‘pop-up’ reminder for surgeons during patient consultations, or a league table system that allows them to compare their performance with colleagues, utilising the gamification approach.
My work experience so far with the Change Lab at IGHI has been immensely fulfilling. I enjoy every aspect, from collaborating with like-minded individuals to engaging in behavioural intervention projects. The supportive and encouraging environment within the team has been invaluable, allowing me to grow both personally and professionally.
In the future, I am planning to compete a Master’s in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health and I plan on becoming a clinical psychologist — which I’m sure will be a fulfilling journey filled with self-discovery.
This blog series has been written by Rao Fu, Julia Anderson Programme Operations Trainee. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary stories of our fourth cohort trainees of the Julia Anderson Programme at IGHI! The last two trainees’ stories can be accessed at:
Find out more about the Julia Anderson Training Programme.
Designing inclusive healthcare – my experience as the Julia Anderson Helix Trainee
In our blog series, we present the captivating stories of the fourth cohort of Julia Anderson trainees. As an impactful initiative at the Institute of Global Health Innovation (IGHI), the Julia Anderson Training Programme (JATP) provides people with little or no prior work experience with paid work experience. Last week Rao shared her story as the Programme Operations Trainee. Today, we will introduce you to Beatrice, the Julia Anderson Helix Centre Trainee, whose passion for making healthcare more accessible and inclusive has led her on an incredible journey.
Getting to know me
My name is Beatrice, a trilingual girl from Hong Kong who can speak English, Cantonese and Mandarin fluently. Despite growing up surrounded by skyscrapers, I have always felt a deep connection with nature and developed a strong love for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkelling, kayaking, and cycling. Traveling is my passion, and I’m always on the lookout for budget holidays that allow me to immerse myself in local culture and cuisine.
In my spare time, I am the secretary of the University of Bath Mahjong club, where I indulge in the fascinating world of this tile-based strategy game popular in many Asian countries. Playing Mahjong with my friends brings immense joy, and there’s nothing better than winning a round and earning a well-deserved dinner treat!
Pursuing my Passion
My journey has led me to the University of Bath, where I am currently pursuing a BSc in Psychology as a third-year student. Bath’s enriching academic environment has shaped my understanding of human behaviour and nurtured my passion for making a positive impact in the field of mental health.
Beyond the classroom, I actively engage in extracurricular activities that have broadened my horizons and allowed me to give back to the community. One of the most rewarding experiences has been volunteering at Shout, an online text-based crisis hotline. Though I’ve only completed a few shifts, the opportunity to provide support and be there for individuals in their darkest moments has been deeply fulfilling. It has reinforced my commitment to advocating for mental health and the importance of accessible support systems.
As I continue my academic journey, I strive to integrate my psychological knowledge with real-world experiences. By participating in university societies and volunteering, I enjoy working with people from diverse backgrounds. I am now further developing my skills through the Julia Anderson Training Programme at IGHI.
My application journey
Discovering the Julia Anderson Training Programme (JATP) was a serendipitous moment as I stumbled upon it while browsing through my university’s career page. Intrigued by the programme’s description, it didn’t take long for me to realise that this was an opportunity I couldn’t let pass.
What was it that attracted me to apply for the Julia Anderson Helix Centre Trainee role? It was a perfect alignment of my values and interests. The project’s focus on addressing health inequities resonated deeply with me and I was excited by the thought of being able to contribute to a meaningful project that aimed to make a positive impact in healthcare. Moreover, the JATP encompassed both my existing research skills and my desire to learn new skills, such as design, and so it felt like the ideal platform for both personal and professional growth.
Despite applying during my final exams, I managed my time effectively and performed well throughout the process. One aspect that I am particularly proud of is my “proudest achievement” presentation during the second-round interview. Unlike traditional interviews, the Julia Anderson Training Programme prefers understanding applicants better by using a strength-based way instead of a standardised CV. In a creative twist, I presented my story of ‘Moving to a New Country’ to the panel in a storybook format, allowing my personality and creativity to shine through. It was a memorable experience that showcased my unique approach to storytelling.
Embracing captivating projects
As a Julia Anderson Helix Centre Trainee in the Design Strategy team, I’m thrilled to work on two exciting projects: one focuses on outpatient appointments and the other involves improving patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) within research.
In the outpatient project, I get to come up with cool ideas to make it easier for people to go to their hospital appointments. We want to understand why some people miss their appointments and find ways to help them attend. It’s all about making sure everyone can access healthcare when they need it. As part of the project, I listen to researchers and collaborate on creating a resource hub aimed at assisting IGHI researchers in enhancing patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE).
Working on these projects is very rewarding, I learn new things every day and feel so engaged in my work. It’s amazing how my ideas and designs have the potential to make a real difference in people’s lives and healthcare. The team I work with is fantastic! They welcomed me warmly and always encourage me to do my best. I feel valued and inspired to push my creativity and skills even further.
“Being a Julia Anderson Helix Centre Trainee at IGHI is a dream come true. I get to be part of making healthcare better for everyone. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on people’s lives.” — Beatrice
Besides my main projects, I also get to help out with other cool things in the Design Strategy team and the Helix Centre. From writing about our work to coming up with new ideas, there’s always something exciting to do! Being a Julia Anderson Helix Centre Trainee at IGHI is a dream come true. I get to be part of making healthcare better for everyone. Every day is a new opportunity to learn, grow, and make a positive impact on people’s lives.
Navigating the path ahead
My future career path is still taking shape, and I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. This programme serves as a catalyst for gaining valuable insights into potential career paths and the type of work environment where I can thrive.
Currently, I am considering career paths that merge my interests in behavioural science and clinical psychology. These fields offer opportunities to delve deeper into understanding human behaviour, addressing mental health challenges, and making a positive impact on individuals’ lives. Cultural contexts play a crucial role in my aspirations, as I am keen on exploring how research and design can be tailored to diverse cultural backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and effectiveness.
While my interests primarily lie in these areas, I remain open-minded and curious, considering a wide range of possibilities. The JATP provides me with a unique vantage point to explore various career paths within the realm of global health innovation. It offers exposure to cross-disciplinary collaboration and the chance to work alongside experts from different fields, broadening my horizons and inspiring me to think beyond conventional boundaries.
This blog series has been written by Rao Fu, Julia Anderson Programe Operations Trainee. Join us as we delve into the extraordinary stories of our fourth cohort trainees of the Julia Anderson Programme at IGHI! Stay tuned for more captivating journeys and inspiration from the trainees’ unique perspectives.
The last trainee’ s blog post can be accessed at:
Find out more about the Julia Anderson Training Programme.