Professor Olivia Wu appointed Director to NIHR national research programmes
Published: 13 February 2025
Professor Olivia Wu is named as one of five new Directors of NIHR’s research programmes.
Professor Olivia Wu is named as one of five new Directors of NIHR’s research programmes.
Professor Wu, who is the William R Lindsay Chair of Health Economics, will lead the NIHR-NHS England National Research Collaboration Programme (NRCP). In addition, Professor Wu has been appointed as Director of the NIHR Better Methods, Better Research (BMBR) Programme.
NIHR programmes fund vital research to improve health and care, and each funding programme has a specific focus, aiming to address key areas in health, care, and public health. The new Programme Directors will work to build on the existing strengths of the suite of programmes to harness the potential for delivering national, international and regional benefits to the public.
Professor Wu, who is Co-Director of the Health Economics and Health Technology Assessment (HEHTA) Research Unit at the University of Glasgow, has extensive expertise and experience in evidence generation through research and in the effective use of evidence in decision-making. Her research has informed clinical guidelines and health policy decisions, both at national and international levels.
Professor Wu has extensive expertise and experience in evidence generation through research and in the effective use of evidence in decision-making. Her research spans across a wide range of health and clinical areas but focuses on adapting and applying research methodologies in context, and has informed clinical guidelines and health policy decisions, both at national and international levels.
In addition to her research, Professor Wu is a long-standing advisor to HTA agencies within and out with the UK. She has previously served as member of the NICE Technology Appraisal committee for 10 years and is currently the Chair of the NIHR HTA Clinical Evaluations and Trials Funding Committee.
Professor Wu said: “I’m excited to take up the role of Director for the Better Methods for Better Research and the National Research Collaboration Programmes. The development and implementation of innovative methodologies is vital to addressing complex biomedical, health and care challenges. I’m looking forward to working closely with NIHR and the collaborating partners, to ensure that we invest in the most efficient approach to achieve the successful delivery of impactful research on improving the health and wellbeing of the nation.”
Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Advisor to the Department of Health and Social Care, and NIHR CEO, said: “I am thrilled to welcome these new Directors. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, which will help shape and develop these vital programmes.”
Enquiries: ali.howard@glasgow.ac.uk or elizabeth.mcmeekin@glasgow.ac.uk
First published: 13 February 2025