Dr Joanna McLaughlin

NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement (DSE) Award, 2025 - 2027

About the fellowship

Dr Joanna McLaughlin is a public health doctor who works at both the University of Bristol and NHS England's South West regional public health team. Her NIHR Development and Skills Enhancement Award gives her dedicated time to develop skills in digital health technologies, including AI tools such as chatbots, and to explore how they can help more people improve their health.

Her research focuses on people waiting for planned hospital treatment, such as surgery. She looks at how digital tools can support healthier behaviours during this time, while ensuring they are accessible and do not increase health inequalities. Her work particularly considers the needs of people who have limited access to technology or face other barriers to good health.

The award has also helped Joanna build links with the University of Bristol's Digital Health research group, bringing together expertise in engineering, technology and public health to develop digital tools that work for a wide range of people.

Working with NICE on digital health inequalities

As part of her DSE Award, Joanna holds a NICE-NIHR Postdoctoral Placement Award (April 2026 to March 2027). Through this role, she is leading a project with NICE to improve how digital health inequalities are identified and addressed when assessing health technologies and developing guidelines. The project draws on insights from patients, community organisations and national partners.

Research support and mentorship

Joanna's DSE Award is supported by an advisory group of three professors who provide mentoring, career guidance and opportunities to learn from their research teams:

  • Professor Ruth Kipping (University of Bristol) supports Joanna's development as a research and public health leader.
  • Professor Lucy Yardley (University of Bristol) advises on digital health interventions, co-design, innovation and working with industry.
  • Professor Ramani Moonesinghe (UCL and NHS England) provides expertise in evaluating new technologies and improving care before surgery, with a focus on reducing inequalities.

The award also funded a mentoring collaboration with Versus Arthritis, giving Joanna insight into how charities develop and use digital tools, including AI-powered support services. She also contributed her public health and research expertise to the charity's work.

Linking research and practice

Alongside her fellowship, Joanna works as a Consultant in Public Health for NHS England's South West regional public health team. Her role includes supporting the NHS's move from analogue to digital services and contributing to the regional Prevention Board. This allows her to apply research findings directly to policy and practice while bringing real-world challenges back into her research.

Leadership development

In 2026, Joanna joined the NIHR Future Focused Leadership Programme, a 12-month programme that helps early and mid-career researchers strengthen their leadership skills.

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