We simply had to interview our Director, woman of many hats, Professor Dawn Craig to find out about her role, life and how she manages to juggle her commitments…
What is your role in the team?
I’m the Director of the NIHR Innovation Observatory (est. 2017) and Professor of Evidence Synthesis at Newcastle University. A health economist by training, the early part of my career was spent honing my expertise in economic evaluation and systematic review methodologies. My role involves a multitude of different elements including; Research Leadership, Strategic Planning, Networking, Team Management, Financial Oversight, Operational Management, Grant Applications, Ethics and Quality, Knowledge Transfer, Public Engagement and Student Support.
How did you get into this career, what led you here?
I started my academic career in 2002. I spent over a decade at the University of York post-MSc in Health Economics, engaging in research projects within the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) space. During this time, I developed skills and gained experience/expertise in economic evaluation and systematic review methodologies. In 2014, I joined Newcastle University, where I leveraged my methodological experience to merge health economics with evidence synthesis, establishing a successful Evidence Synthesis Research Group (ESG). The ESG continues to deliver research across a range of clinical topics and settings, underpinned by a diverse range of methodologies. The ESG is home to our TAR and EAG contracts, as well as the IO contract.
My research interests are centred on HTA methodologies, particularly in evidence synthesis, including systematic review and meta-analysis, network meta-analysis, decision modelling/economic evaluation, horizon scanning methods and value of innovation. My research work prior to IO was focused more on the evaluation of innovation, however for me horizon scanning in an important component of HTA and can play a role an influence at numerous points in the HTA process/pathway. When the opportunity to be part of the team bidding for the horizon scanning contract (IO) I jumped at the chance, as I could immediately see the opportunities it would offer to the research methods space, but also the opportunity for my work to have a real impact on population health. A lot of my work is in the application of evidence synthesis techniques/methods to deliver timely and relevant research. I am also interested in the role and value of evidence/intelligence in decision-making, the methods and significance of horizon scanning, and the integration of AI in supporting research processes. I have a broader research interest in regulatory processes, market access, innovation, and the efficient implementation and service delivery within healthcare.
What do you enjoy most about your role? What are you most proud of?
I enjoy so many aspects of my role, my interaction with the team, the opportunity to support others to develop, the opportunity to influence and shape the health care people receive, the environment that we work in, the opportunities that working at within a university and within IO have offered.
I am most proud of those who face their fears, who overcome anxieties to still take part and those who fail but pick themselves up and try again. My ESG team and IO team are what I am most proud of. I see people stepping up, stretching, growing and developing every day. They do this, not me, but it makes me very proud.
What do you do outside of work?
I like to keep busy and active, although don’t always have a lot of spare time. I enjoy hiking, paddleboarding, cycling and when injury free a little running, currently I am attending Taiko Drumming classes. I like a good book and alone time, but also enjoy time with family. I love to travel but have done less over the past few years due to caring responsibilities. I enjoy time with friends and the opportunity to experience something new – like Taiko Drumming. I also like a good film and rubbish TV.
To get to know more of our team, take a look at our news page for more ‘In the Spotlight’ interviews here
