Doug Brown Appointed March 2020 Expand Chief Executive, British Society of Immunology Doug leads the BSI in its mission to support and transform immunology research to the benefit of human and animal health. Using the global reach of the BSI they are building a best in class membership offer aimed at supporting research and immunologists at all stages of their career as well as leading national and international initiatives to create a thriving immunology research sector and ensure that research is translated into the clinic. Previously he was the Chief Policy and Research officer at Alzheimer’s Society where he led on the ambition to triple investment in Research and Development to £10m by 2017. Having met that commitment he continued to lead a growing and ambitious research programme delivering real impact for people affected by dementia and helping establish the world leading £500m UK Dementia Research Institute. He was also responsible for corporate operation of the organisation as well as overseeing high level policy and public affairs initiatives. Before that Doug completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge on HIV research. He worked as a post-doctoral fellow at the MRC’s National Institute for Medical Research, working on malaria, before taking up a post at the Multiple Sclerosis Society leading the biomedical research programme.
Elizabeth Robertson Elected AGM 2020 Expand Director of Research, Diabetes UK Elizabeth is responsible for ensuring Diabetes UK is driving forward understanding, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diabetes, through investing in the best research minds and projects. Before joining Diabetes UK, Elizabeth was the first Director of Research for Breast Cancer Now, formed from the merger of Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign in April 2015. Prior to the merger, she was the Director of Research, Policy and Information at Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Previous roles include Director of Operations at Cancer Research UK, Dean of the Graduate Research School at Teesside University and Post-doctoral Research Associate in the Department of Biology at York University. Elizabeth completed her PhD at Queen Mary, University of London and Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy from London Business School in 2014. Elizabeth is a Trustee of Quadram Institute Bioscience and King’s College Hospital Charity and a former Trustee of the national volunteering charity, TimeBank.
Henny Braund Elected AGM 2020 Expand Chief Executive, Anthony Nolan Henny joined Anthony Nolan, the blood cancer charity, in 2009 as Chief Executive and set out a bold ambition to improve both outcomes and quality of life for stem cell transplant patients. Research is key to her strategic direction; with findings from the Anthony Nolan Research Institute informing the strategy for growing the stem cell register, and extensive research into patient experience and involvement guiding policy campaigns and investment in post-transplant care services across the UK. Henny has also driven the pioneering joint funding of IMPACT, the UK’s first clinical trials network for stem cell transplants and chairs the oversight committee. As a strong advocate for Life Sciences, she has overseen the launch of Anthony Nolan’s Cell and Gene Therapy Services, which provide cellular products for use in R&D – helping to accelerate research into new treatments, whilst also growing and diversifying our income for reinvestment She is a current Board member of the World Marrow Donor Association (WMDA) and Trustee for The Mix. Prior to Anthony Nolan, Henny held the role of Resources Director at Shelter, the housing charity, and draws on 25 years’ experience in the charity sector. Henny was named as the Charity Times Charity Principal of the Year in 2013 and has steered the charity to several awards including Charity Times’ Charity of the Year in 2012.
Hilary Evans Elected AGM 2020 Expand Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Research UK As Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Research UK Hilary has led the transformation of the charity to one of the leading medical research charities in the UK - seeing the charity more than triple its income in three years and therefore significantly enhanced the organisations ability to fund ground-breaking new projects. She has led major public campaigns aiming to shift public perceptions of dementia and break down the stigma around these diseases. Before joining Alzheimer’s Research UK, Hilary worked at Age UK, improving the lives of people in later life both in the UK and internationally. Hilary also brings experience of working in Government and with the pharmaceutical industry in corporate affairs roles. Hilary holds an honorary doctorate in medicine from The University of Exeter.
Dr Ian Walker Nominated December 2017 Expand Executive Director of Policy, Information & Communications, Cancer Research UK Ian has over 15 years of combined experience dedicated to advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. First appointed as a CRUK Director in 2013, Ian has made significant contribution to the overall vision and efforts of the world’s largest medical research charity. He was elected as an AMRC trustee in 2017 and stepped down in 2023.
Jonathan Grant Appointed December 2020 Expand Jonathan Grant is founding director of Different Angles Ltd, a consultancy that focuses on the social impact of universities and research. He was formerly Vice President & Vice Principal (Service) and Professor of Public Policy at King’s College London. Service is King's award-winning and unique commitment to social responsibility and covers a range of activities including social reform, research impact, service-led learning, volunteering, and environment sustainability. Jonathan’s main research interests are in biomedical and health R&D policy, research impact assessment, the use of research and evidence in policy and decision-taking, and the social purpose of universities in the 21st century. His book, The New Power University, was published in March 2021.
Kate Adcock Elected AGM 2020 Expand Director of Research and Innovation, Muscular Dystrophy UK Kate became Director of Research and Innovation Muscular Dystrophy UK in 2018. She works with Trustees, clinicians, researchers and – most importantly – MDUK’s supporters to deliver research that is meaningful to patients living with neuromuscular conditions. Kate has over 15 years’ experience of research funding and strategy through senior roles at the Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust and latterly, MDUK. Kate has a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge. She worked as a post-doctoral assistant at the University of Basel and in the Department of Diagnostic Imaging at the University Children’s Hospital in Zurich before taking up a post at Wellcome in 2005.
2021 Expand Response Consulting body Date AMRC response to inquiry into NHS backlogs and waiting times Public Accounts Committee December 2021 AMRC response to DCMS consultation on proposed changes to data protection legislation Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport November 2021 AMRC response to consultation on thelong-term sustainability of health research in the UK Academy of Medical Sciences November 2021 AMRC response to the Independent review ofresearch bureaucracy Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy October 2021 AMRC submission to the 2021 Spending Review HM Treasury September 2021 AMRC response to Inquiry into Reproducibility and research integrity Science and Technology Committee September 2021 Cross sector evidence submission to Healthand Care Bill Public Bill Committee Health and Care Bill Public Bill Committee September 2021 AMRC response to Inquiry into Clearing the backlog caused by the pandemic Health and Social Care Select Committee September 2021 Statement from AMRC in response to Data Strategy for Health and Social Care Department of Health and Social Care August 2021 AMRC response to Inquiry into University Research & Regional Levelling up Higher Education Commission June 2021 AMRC response to consultation on the Women's Health Strategy Department of Health and Social Care June 2021 AMRC response to consultation on Public Health England reform Department of Health and Social Care April 2021 AMRC response to the Dementia Moonshot Inquiry All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dementia April 2021 AMRC comments to the Goldacre Review Department of Health and Social Care March 2021 AMRC response to Inquiry on equity in the STEM workforce APPG on Diversity & Inclusion in STEM January 2021 AMRC representation to Budget 2021 HM Treasury January 2021
2022 Expand Response Consulting body Date AMRC response to Lords inquiry into people and skills in STEM in the UK Lords Science & Technology Committee October 2022 AMRC response to GMC consultation on proposed update to Good Medical Practice guidance General Medical Council July 2022 AMRC submission to Science & Technology Committee inquiry on Digital Transformation in the NHS Health & Social Care Committee June 2022 AMRC response to NHS Working in Partnership with People and Communities consultation NHS England May 2022 AMRC response to Lords inquiry to examine UK science and technology strategy Lords Science & Technology Committee March 2022 AMRC response to UKRI Equality Diversity and Inclusion draft strategy consultation UK Research and Innovation March 2022 AMRC response to ABPI Data Governance principles consultation Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry March 2022 AMRC response to MHRA Proposals for legislative changes for clinical trials Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency March 2022 Research, development and innovation organisational landscape: an independent review (by Sir Paul Nurse) Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy February 2022 AMRC response to the Inquiry on Diversity in STEM Commons Science & Technology Committee January 2022 ABPI and AMRC joint submission to Health and Social Care Committee inquiry on ‘Workforce: recruitment, training and retention in health and social care’ Health & Social Care Committee January 2022 AMRC submission to Science & Technology Committee call for evidence for The right to privacy: digital data inquiry Commons Science & Technology Committee January 2022 AMRC response to the consultation on proposals for changes to the Research Excellence Grant (REG) and Research Postgraduate Grant (RPG). Scottish Funding Council January 2022
Simon Turpin Policy Officer - Phone: 020 8078 6063 – Email: [email protected] Expand Simon joined AMRC in March 2022 as a Policy Officer. As a member of the Policy and Public Affairs team, he will be involved in work on clinical research, patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE), and animal research. Prior to joining the team he was Research Intern at the Health Foundation with a focus on PPIE and equality, diversity, and inclusion. Simon attended Leicester Medical School as an undergraduate, leaving with a BMedSci and a BSc in Human Behaviour, and completed an MSc in Psychological Studies at University of Glasgow in 2020.
Emily Heathward Policy Officer - Phone: 020 8078 6060 - Email: [email protected] Expand Emily joined AMRC in April 2023 as a Policy Officer. She has a background in genomics research with experience in both industry and academia, and previously worked as a senior scientist for a biotech in Cambridge. Prior to joining AMRC, Emily was an Academy of Medical Sciences (AMS)/Medical Research Council (MRC) policy intern in the Policy, Governance and Ethics team at the MRC. She is a PhD candidate in functional genomics at Imperial College London, with masters degrees from Imperial (MRes, 2017) and University College London (MSci, 2014).
Tom Bolton King Public Affairs Officer – Phone: 02080786046 – Email: [email protected] Expand Tom joined the AMRC in November 2023 and helps to deliver its programme of public affairs activities and engagement with key political stakeholders. Prior to joining, Tom worked at the public affairs and policy consultancy Evoke Incisive Health and completed an MA in Politics and Contemporary History at Kings College London.
2022 events and publications Expand Event Date Parliamentary reception: ‘Tackling COVID-19: Recognising the exceptional research response’ 14 March 2022 AGM and Inquiry into Health Disparities and the role of research subcommitee meeting 5 July 2022 Call to evidence: Have your say on the role of medical research in reducing health disparities 8 July 2022 Publication Publication type Photos from the Parliamentary reception: ‘Tackling COVID-19: Recognising the exceptional research response’ Photography
Tehilloh Belovski Events Officer - 020 8078 6061 - Email: [email protected] Expand Tehilloh joined AMRC in August 2022 and became Events Officer in November 2023. She has a BA in Events Management from London Metropolitan University and has held various administrative roles previously. Her role at AMRC involves delivering a portfolio of events, webinars and workshops for AMRC member charities and the wider research community.
Leonora Bradley Communications Manager - Phone: 020 8078 6044 - Email: [email protected] Expand Leo focuses on strengthening communications with our member charities, and the wider research and policy communities. Her key responsibilities include writing the fortnightly member e-newsletter, managing website content and social media, and leading on copy-writing and design for publications. Her background is in communications and engagement across the healthcare sector - from public relations for pharmaceutical companies to public engagement for a medical research institute. Leo joined the AMRC in 2016.
Ellen Hinkley Communications Manager - Phone: 020 4570 5493 - Email: [email protected] Expand Ellen joined the AMRC in December 2022. She focuses on strengthening communications with our member charities, and the wider research and policy communities. Her key responsibilities include writing the fortnightly member e-newsletter, managing website content and social media, and leading on copy-writing and design for publications. Her background is in science communications and engagement, within both the consumer market and membership charities.
Adam Cobham Appointed December 2022 Expand Adam is a Chartered Accountant and spent 10 years with Deloitte before moving into Financial Services. Over the following 13 years he held a number of senior Finance roles with Lloyds Banking Group and then Virgin Money before moving into his current role at Worldwide Cancer Research in 2019. Adam served as trustee and treasurer for Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC), a charity supporting, developing and promoting the interests and work of voluntary and community organisations across the city of Edinburgh from 2015-22. Adam is currently the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Office at Worldwide Cancer Research where he is responsible for Finance, HR, IT, CRM systems and reporting and Information Governance.
Daniel Pavin Appointed December 2022 Expand Daniel is a partner at the international law firm Covington & Burling LLP, advising on a wide range of commercial transactions involving intellectual property, technology and data. He has extensive experience advising on life sciences licensing, collaborations and other strategic agreements, including collaborations between industry and medical research institutes and other not-for-profits. His work includes advising a range of not-for-profit organisations in the sector on a pro bono basis. He has a particular focus on digital transformation in the life sciences and healthcare sectors, including digital health transactions, and data-driven and AI drug discovery and development projects, and is a co-lead of Covington’s global Digital Health Initiative. Daniel is also a mentor on a scheme for aspiring solicitors from diverse backgrounds.
Juan Acevedo Project Officer - Phone: 020 8078 6062 - Email: [email protected] Expand Juan has a background in architecture and an MSc in Urban Development Planning at UCL completed in 2022. He has previous experience working as a site architect monitoring the construction of Universities, Hospitals and Public Schools nationwide in Colombia. As well as consultancy in data collection to refurbish workplace concepts and offices in England and the Netherlands.
2023 events and publications Expand Event Date Publication Publication type Health disparities: why medical research is a crucial tool for change Report
2023 Expand Response Consulting body Date AMRC response to HRA People-Centred Research Survey Health Research Authority February 2023 AMRC submission to Labour NPF consultation: A greenand digital future Labour Party March 2023 AMRC submission to Labour NPF consultation: Publicservices that work from the start Labour Party March 2023 AMRC response to HFEA consultation on Modernising the regulation of fertility treatment and research involving human embryos Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority April 2023 AMRC response to Data Access Policy Update consultation Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England June 2023 AMRC response to Major Conditions Strategy consultation Department for Health and Social Care June 2023 AMRC response to Engineering Biology call for evidence Department of Science, Innovation and Technology September 2023 AMRC response to assessment of people, culture and environment in REF 2028 Research England, the Scottish Funding Council, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, the Department for the Economy, NI December 2023
Dan Worth Data and Insights Analyst - Phone: 020 8078 6045 - Email: [email protected] Expand Dan joined the AMRC in April 2023 as Data and Insights Analyst. He has a background in cell biology, with a PhD and many years’ postdoctoral experience in the field. Opting to leave the lab in 2014 to pursue other avenues, he has since had roles within the NHS and at the mental health charity, Mind in West Essex. He also recently completed a MSc Psychology course at the University of Essex.
Jess Livesey Expand Jess worked at the AMRC from August-November 2023 as a Policy and Public Affairs Intern.
Alyssa Moaveni Administration Officer - Phone: 02080786042 - Email: [email protected] Expand Alyssa joined AMRC in November 2023 as the Admin Officer. She has a BA in Archaeology from the University of Southampton and over three years of experience in admin support – working in both private and public sector organisations. Her role at AMRC involves diary management and general admin support for the team, as well as liaising with our external IT, HR, and Finance partners.