Profile
I lead science policy initiatives that connect research, government, and health systems - driving change through evidence, collaboration, and strategic insight.
I am a science policy expert with a background in environmental science, genetics, and engineering biology. After earning a PhD in risk assessment of genetically modified crops from the University of Reading, I held postdoctoral positions at TIGEM (Naples; https://www.tigem.it/) and IFOM (Milan; https://www.ifom.eu), working on applied molecular biology, genetic engineering and gene therapy.
Following a role as an editor at Nature, I joined the UK Civil Service, initially at Defra contributing evidence to environmental policy, and then spent eight years at the Government Office for Science, part of the Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT). I worked at the heart of government during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing science advice to the Government Chief Scientific Adviser (GCSA), Chief Medical Officer (CMO), and departmental Chief Scientific Advisers (CSAs). This included supporting cross-government coordination on scientific issues, leading work to strengthen science systems across government, and improving engagement with the academic sector.
In May 2024, I became Head of Policy at the Academy for Medical Sciences, where I lead work to improve science systems and foster collaboration across the health, care, and science policy landscape. My strengths are a systems-level perspective, deep experience in government, and a strong commitment to evidence-informed policy.