Dr Gail Marzetti has been appointed as the new Director of Science, Research and Evidence (SRE) in the Department of Health and Social Care. She takes over the role previously held by Dr Louise Wood.

Dr Marzetti will work under the direction of Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser to DHSC and NIHR Chief Executive. 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.

She 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."

Dr Louise Wood leaves DHSC in June, with Dr Marzetti taking up her role in July.

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Executive of the NIHR and Chief Scientific Adviser at DHSC, said:

"Louise will be hugely missed, but I am confident Dr Marzetti brings with her a wealth of experience with a background in research funding and an interest in underserved communities. She will be well placed to help deliver the strategic aims of NIHR, focusing on improving care and outcomes for patients and the public, and tackling inequalities across health and care."

Minister for Innovation, Lord Kamall, said:

"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."