Paula Wray

I originally studied pharmacology and neuroscience.  In 2010 I worked within the community and voluntary sector to ensure research was accessible and relevant to the population.

Over the last 10 years I have developed extensive knowledge of patient engagement and public involvement through my roles as Public Involvement Programme Manager within the NIHR CLAHRC East Midlands, Research Design Service and as a Senior Public Involvement Manager at INVOLVE, providing strategic oversight and direction for public involvement in NIHR. 

My key areas of interest are around reducing health inequalities, improving public involvement practice and capturing the many facets of impact. I sit on the NIHR Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Programme Board and am a workstream lead for the development of the NIHR Value Framework.

As senior manager for the Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Oxford and Thames Valley programme and its themes I provide project management and manage the ARC core team. My role is to ensure that the ARC works in partnership, researching areas that address the health and care needs of the local population with potential to influence national practice and improve outcomes for all.