January 2025 marked the the last meeting of the
DECIPHer Scientific Advisory Board in its current form,
and an opportunity for reflection and feedback.
The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) has met annually since 2020 and the start of DECIPHer’s funding from Health and Care Research Wales. Chaired by Professor Ashley Adamson, the SAB’s purpose is to provide independent external reviews, advice and support to DECIPHer’s Executive Team on the operation, strategic development and institutional support of DECIPHer. In April 2025, when DECIPHer commences a new phase of Health and Care Research Wales funding, the SAB will continue with updated membership and priorities.
This year’s meeting offered a chance for members to look back on DECIPHer’s achievements over the last five years. Simon Murphy, Director of DECIPHer, says:
‘On behalf of DECIPHer, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our Scientific Advisory Board members for the invaluable advice and guidance they have provided over the last 5 years. Their independent oversight of our work has not only helped us to develop as a centre but provides an opportunity to reflect on our standing and contribution in the eyes of our peers.’
Professor Ashley Adamson, NIHR Senior Investigator; Director of the School for Public Health Research: ‘It has been a wonderful opportunity to be part of the SAB. Despite changes in government, strategies and focus, DECIPHer still remains the constant. It has an excellent reputation for working with children and young people which should be maintained. DECIPHer has left a legacy that will continue into the next five years and beyond.‘
Doctor Michael Clark, Research Programme Manager, NIHR School for Social Care Research; Associate Professorial Research Fellow, Care Policy & Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics:
‘It is currently a difficult and turbulent environment, but DECIPHer has forged positive relationships with others including universities, Welsh Government and international researchers. Capacity development has grown over the last five years and DECIPHer has built relationships around this. Thank you to Health and Care Research Wales for recognising the work that DECIPHer does, and continues to do.’
Professor Eva Rehfuess, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich: ‘I’d like to highlight DECIPHer’s success in career progression – researchers like Professor Graham Moore, Doctor Honor Young and Professor Rhiannon Evans all started as early career researchers in DECIPHer. Going forward, I’d like to see DECIPHer achieve this relationship building and training on an international level.’
Professor Frank Kee, Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University: ‘PHIRST Insight [a collaboration with Bristol University and part of the NIHR Public Health Intervention Responsive Studies Teams] has had great impact in areas of building skillsets, mindsets and relationships. Working out equipoise in different centres worked as a general foundation, whilst working with practitioners is helping to change the culture.’
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Doctor Sumina Azam, National Director of Policy and International Health, a WHO Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being, Public Health Wales: ‘Both public health and Public Health Wales have benefitted from the work done in DECIPHer. DECIPHer’s research has shown how it is possible to apply research methods to address complicated issues and have a successful impact. Public Health Wales appreciates DECIPHer’s involvement in policy research and is looking forward to linking again with DECIPHer in the next five years.’
SAB members from 2020 – 2025:
- Doctor Sumina Azam, National Director of Policy and International Health, a WHO Collaborating Centre on Investment for Health and Well-being, Public Health Wales
- Doctor Julie Bishop, Director of Health Improvement, Public Health Wales; DECIPHer co-investigator
- Doctor Michael Clark, Research Programme Manager, NIHR School for Social Care Research; Associate Professorial Research Fellow, Care Policy & Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics
- Nia Evans, Children and Young People’s Mental Health Manager, Mind Cymru
- Doctor Sara Jones, Centre Manager, DECIPHer
- Professor Frank Kee, Clinical Professor, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Public Health, Queen’s University
- Professor Ruth Kipping, Professor of Public Health, Bristol Medical School
- Professor James Lewis, School of Social Sciences; DECIPHer
- Professor Graham Moore, Deputy Director of DECIPHer
- Professor Simon Murphy, Director of DECIPHer
- Professor Eva Rehfuess, Chair of Public Health and Health Services Research, LMU Munich: ‘I’d like to highlight DECIPHer’s success in career progression
- Loretta Sollars, Deputy Head, Children, Young People & Families, Public Health England
