New Director of Science appointed in DHSC

Dr Gail Marzetti has been appointed as Director of Science, Research and Evidence in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), helping to lead the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

NIHR aims to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. Their research helps discover new treatments, improve diagnosis, advance medical technologies and bolster health and care services.

Dr Marzetti will work under the direction of Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser to DHSC and Chief Executive of the NIHR, taking over the role previously held by Dr Louise Wood.

Dr Marzetti is a senior civil servant with 25 years of experience across a range of policy areas. She joined DHSC in March 2020 and is currently Director of Refugees and Head of International Workforce. Prior to this she worked for the Department for International Development (DfID) for over 20 years.

Dr Gail Marzetti, incoming Director of Science, Research and Evidence, said: ‘I’m thrilled to be joining the leadership of NIHR and once again working in the field of research and evidence.

‘So many of NIHR’s strategic priorities are about inclusion and health inequalities, topics close to my heart, and I’m excited to bring my experience to bear both on NIHR’s national work and on its work in low- and middle-income countries.

‘I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the health and care research sector to help NIHR deliver against its vital mission.’

Minister for Innovation, Lord Kamall, commented: ‘Health and care research is crucial to transform our health service and ensure the NHS is able to deliver world-class care.

‘It has been vital in our fight against COVID-19 and in saving thousands of lives – whether through the rapid creation of vaccines or the identification of life-saving treatments like dexamethasone.

‘I want to thank and pay tribute to Dr Louise Wood for her incredible work and leadership. I know Dr Gail Marzetti will build on Dr Woods’ contribution, working alongside Professor Lucy Chappell to ensure the UK remains a world-leader in diverse, ground-breaking research.’

Photo by Hans Reniers