Dr Safoora Gharibzadeh (PhD FHEA) is a medical statistician at the University of Leicester’s Real World Evidence Unit.

She previously worked as an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the Pasteur Institute of Iran. In this role she collaborated with other research institutes on various projects. Her own research focused on categorical and longitudinal data analysis. She is interested in modelling high-dimensional real-world data, such as CPRD, using causal inference and machine learning methods.

In this Elevate Series talk, Safoora shares how she responded to these challenges talking to us about how she is actively building the experience, leadership, and research profile needed for progression, including pursuing an NIHR award and taking on Co-PI roles to strengthen her independence and impact. Her story speaks directly to the realities many researchers face: non linear careers, structural barriers, rejection, and the additional complexity of working across international systems.

This session will resonate with researchers navigating transition points in their careers and reflects key themes of resilience, adaptability, leadership development, and taking ownership of career direction.