Ahead of International Women’s Day, we spoke to Katie Twentyman, Research Assistant at the NIHR Innovation Observatory about her career journey to date, her passion for research and horizon scanning and her love of animals…
Describe your role in the team?
My role is diverse and dynamic, with a strong focus on horizon scanning across multiple projects. A significant part of my work involves reviewing clinical trials and literature, extracting key data, and contributing to analysis, data presentation, and report writing. Additionally, I prepare technology briefings for the NICE process and monitor emerging technologies from my assigned company. I also support industry events such as Talking Point Tuesdays. As part of the MedTech programme at the Innovation Observatory, I am heavily involved in projects focused on MedTech innovation and its journey from development to implementation.
How did you get into this career, what led you here?
I graduated with a First-Class BSc in Biomedical Sciences from Newcastle University, where I completed my final-year project on adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). After graduating, I secured a role in inside sales at an insulin pump company, where I developed a strong understanding of insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitoring, along with valuable insights into NHS procurement.
Wanting to further my research experience, I returned to university to complete a Master of Research in Cancer, achieving a Distinction. I was fortunate to rejoin the same research group as my undergraduate studies, where my project focused on investigating germline abnormalities in childhood ALL. Alongside my Master’s I took part in a medical writing experience programme where I produced drafts of a range of materials from plain language summaries to manuscripts. After thoroughly enjoying my Master’s, I secured my current role as a Research Assistant at the Innovation Observatory, where I continue to expand my skills and expertise in healthcare innovation and horizon scanning.
Along my journey, I have also worked in a variety of roles, including as a receptionist at a veterinary clinic, an A-level Biology tutor as well as several hospitality roles.
What do you enjoy most about your role? What are you most proud of?
One of the aspects I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to stay at the forefront of healthcare innovation through horizon scanning. I find it rewarding to explore emerging technologies and understand their potential impact on patient care. Being quite creative I also enjoy contributing to data analysis, data presentation, and report writing which allows me to translate complex information into valuable insights. Additionally, I appreciate the variety in my role and the fact that no two days are the same.
What do you do outside of work?
I’ve always loved animals, and we recently got a flat-coated retriever puppy who I spend a lot of time training and walking. On rainy days, I enjoy cooking and baking, whether it’s making curries or baking and decorating cakes. Being from Cumbria, I love returning home to visit family, lend a hand on the family farm—especially during lambing season (they’re just too cute!)—and spend time in the Lake District. Our go-to walk is the Derwent Circular, a stunning route with ever-changing views that never disappoint.
To get to know more of our team, take a look at our news page for more ‘In the Spotlight’ interviews here
