Sophie’s role is primarily focussed on managing the contribution of HDR UK to our partnership with the EPSRC Digital Health Hubs in the South West (LEAP) and the North West (NortHfutures). These hubs aim to drive innovation in digital health by promoting knowledge and skills sharing across healthcare, academia and business, addressing both local and national communities. In addition to her work with the hubs, Sophie supports the wider portfolio of capacity building activities, most notably leading on the delivery of the Wellcome Biomedical Vacation Scholarship scheme.
Sophie holds a PhD in biological sciences from the University of Exeter and following this, went on to manage the Zebrafish Research Facility within the university’s Aquatic Resources Centre. Prior to joining HDR UK, Sophie was the Training and Events Manager and Research Inclusion Lead at the NIHR Exeter Biomedical Research Centre. Here, she supported academic career development across all career stages — from school-age work experience to PhD students and senior research fellows.
Sophie is passionate about embedding equity and inclusion in all aspects of her work and creating opportunities for both demographics and healthcare professions underrepresented in research, something she is excited to continue championing at HDR UK.
