We are delighted to announce that Professor Pat Kehoe has been formally appointed as the Director of the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute. The Institute is a hub for interdisciplinary health research at the University of Bristol supporting researchers and bringing together people with different knowledge, experience and skills to address health research challenges.
Pat’s research expertise is in dementia research, and he brings a wealth of experience in interdisciplinary health research through his role as Health and Life Science Faculty Research Director. Professor Pat Kehoe will take up the post of Institute Director from 1 August 2024.
Pat Kehoe said: “I am genuinely honoured to be given this opportunity to help take the institute further forward in the same ground-breaking spirit as the truly impressive person after whom it is named. We now have an amazing opportunity to build on the fantastic research communities the Institute has already grown and supported to date, whilst nurturing the new ideas and conversations that are emerging from the coming together of new colleagues, groups and Schools following the University re-structure.
He continued: “I really can’t wait to get stuck in with this very experienced team and work with them to develop and grow our Equitable and Sustainable Health Research from every corner of the University. Most importantly I am hoping we can have some fun in doing so working with inspiring and enthusiastic people on what could be exciting health-related research that could be life-changing for many people.”
Current Elizabeth Blackwell Institute Director, Rachael Gooberman-Hill, said: “After several years as Director of the Elizabeth Blackwell Institute my term of office is nearly complete and I'm delighted to be able to pass the Directorship of the Institute to Professor Pat Kehoe. The Institute will benefit enormously from his leadership and I'm looking forward to following its progress and innovation over the coming years.”
Phil Taylor, University of Bristol’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Enterprise, said: "We are very much looking forward to welcoming Professor Kehoe in his new role as Director of Elizabeth Blackwell Institute. His leadership will help us to continue building on the successes of the Institute since its foundation in 2013 and breaking down barriers between disciplines in health research. We are excited to work with Professor Kehoe as he leads the Institute to continue to drive innovation in health research for years to come."