Exeter professor selected as Parliament’s new research lead for health

A prominent University of Exeter Medical School professor has been named as one of eight Thematic Research Leads, who will act as a bridge between the new Parliament and the research community on health issues

The Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced the second-ever cohort of Thematic Research Leads today. Professor David Strain, Associate Professor in Cardiometabolic Health at the University of Exeter, is the new Thematic Research Lead for Health.

Professor Strain is also an honorary consultant in medicine for the older adult, Head of the academic department for healthcare for older adults and the chair of the British Medical Association’s Board of Science. Clinically, he runs a community diabetes service for the older adult, works as an in-patient stroke consultant, and participates in the chronic fatigue service.

Professor Strain said: “This new role gives an exciting opportunity to be working with the new Parliament to ensure that the latest research in delivering and maintaining health is understood by parliamentarians and, where appropriate, translated into policy.”

Since March 2020, Professor Strain has been heavily involved in the COVID-19 response. Within the BMA he has led the academic response to risk assessment of healthcare workers and been responsible for several briefing statements, whilst clinically he is the Clinical Lead for COVID services at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. He has participated in the NHS long COVID Taskforce, has given evidence at the All-Party Parliamentary Group long COVID meetings, and has presented at several meetings including the Society of Occupational Medicine, the Westminster Health Policy and is part of the Board of Science's organisational committee 

Based on the concept of Chief Scientific Advisers, Thematic Research Leads bring their impartial expertise, extensive policy knowledge and strong network of research connections to a variety of teams in and out of Parliament. They work for three days each week in Parliament, while continuing their role in their own academic institution.

The new Thematic Research Leads will work with a wide range of staff from across POST, the House of Commons Library and the Select Committee teams to enhance the use of high-quality research evidence in scrutiny and debate.

Professor Richard Holland, Dean of the University of Exeter Medical School, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Professor Strain to provide high quality, informed, evidence-based policy advice to Parliament on health matters. We are delighted he has been appointed to this critical role, bringing his expertise and extensive clinical and research experience from his work at University Exeter Medical School and Royal Devon University Hospitals to bear in this way.”