Dr. Thandiwe Hara

A joint appointee, Dr Hara is the OxLEP Strategy Development Executive, and the Senior Regional Knowledge Exchange Officer for the University of Oxford. Prior to this role, she spent years working on European Regional Development projects, including developing the Knowledge Exchange department for the European Centre for Environment and Human Health at the University of Exeter Medical School. She also has extensive experience in developing strategy and policy in Local Government.

Her Doctoral research focused on how large public institutions adopt, implement, and sustain evidence-based health interventions. She is also interested in developing strategies, interventions, and policies that promote the adoption, successful implementation and sustainability of research evidence while addressing health inequalities, and promoting socially inclusive economic growth.

Currently, she is a non-executive Board member of the NIHR SW Clinical Research network and a Trustee for Plymouth and District Racial equality Council. She has previously served as a Governor for Derriford Hospitals NHS Trust.