Professor Laura Shallcross appointed as Director of UCL Institute of Health Informatics

The Faculty of Population Health Sciences is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Laura Shallcross, as Director of the UCL Institute of Health Informatics (IHI).

Laura will start the post of Director on 1 September 2023, taking over from Professor Harry Hemingway the inaugural Director, who established and grew the Institute since 2014, to become one of the largest centres of research and training in health data science and informatics in Europe.  We would like to thank Harry for his leadership during this time.

Laura is a NIHR Research Professor of Public Health and holds honorary Consultant roles in the Division of Infection at University College London Hospital (UCLH) and in the Vulnerable Populations and Inclusion Health Directorate at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). She leads a programme of translational research that combines analysis of large scale, routinely collected data with inter-disciplinary collaborations (qualitative research, immunology, coproduction, trials) to inform interventions and policies which aim to reduce the impact of infection and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). She also co-directs the Computational Medicine theme of the UCLH/UCL Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) which has a remit to translate data-driven innovation in health and care into benefits for patients.

During the pandemic, Laura set up one of the largest studies of COVID-19 in care homes in the world – the VIVALDI study – which strongly informed the pandemic response. The impact of her work was recognised through the award of MBE for services to Adult Social Care during the pandemic. 

Speaking about her appointment, Professor Laura Shallcross said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to lead the UCL Institute of Health Informatics. The Institute has grown rapidly since it was established in 2014, and my goal is to support our staff and students to embrace opportunities for data-driven research, education and innovation to improve population health and wellbeing.” 
 
UCL Faculty of Population Health Sciences Dean, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar said: “I am delighted with the appointment of Professor Laura Shallcross to her new role as Director of the Institute of Health Informatics. Laura’s extensive experience, pioneering leadership and passion for collaboration is an excellent match for the institute. I would also like to thank Professor Harry Hemingway for his dedication over the past 9 years leading the Institute.”

The UCL Institute of Health Informatics, works to develop and evaluate data collecting systems and utilise the data these systems produce. Central to their work are electronic health records (EHR), which offer unique opportunities for the advancement of medical research, quality of care and outcomes. 

Links

• Professor Laura Shallcross’ academic profile
• Q&A with Professor Laura Shallcross
• UCL Institute of Health Informatics