Spotlight on Mark Hibbett

What is your role and what does it involve?

I'm Senior Database Manager at the Cancer Research UK & UCL Cancer Trials Centre. My job mostly involves setting up new databases and keeping existing ones ticking along.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I've been here nearly a year. Before that I worked for Imperial at the National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

I spent over a decade working on the National Evaluation of SureStart, and the reports we provided were instrumental in shaping a scheme which helped thousands of parents and children.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of you to-do list?

Outside of work I've just published my first novel, Storm House, which I'm busily trying to promote by, among other things, answering questions for The Week@UCL. It's a humorous science fiction adventure story about a team of museum workers who protect the UK from monsters, aliens and rum goings on, and it's available from Amazon now. It's quite funny, not too long, and has been rigorously spellchecked, which are the three main things I look for in a book!

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

'Revolver' by The Beatles (except when it's 'Please Please Me' by The Beatles or 'The White Album', or 'Abbey Road'. I quite like The Beatles!), 'Road to Morocco' with Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, and either 'Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy' by Douglas Adams or 'Emma' by Jane Austen.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

There's been an accident in the Informal Beverage Cafe. Don't worry though, there were no casual teas.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

If Paul McCartney ever wants to pop round he'd very welcome, we've got some Linda McCartney sausages in the freezer and everything.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Wash your sheets more often, and always have some Linda McCartney sausages in the freezer in case Macca comes round.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I had a viral hit with one of the world's first ever internet singles, and never made a penny from it.

What is your favourite place?

I live in East Village in Stratford, which is ace - we loved the Olympics so much we went and lived there!