Are you intrigued by the inner workings of research and its profound impact on health policies? Join Professor Elaine Arnull and Julian Gwinnett in their captivating conversation with Shilpa Ross, a dynamic and passionate research fellow at the Kings Fund. We dive into her unique career journey, starting as a research assistant at the University of Hertfordshire, where she interviewed young offenders and discovered a heartfelt love for research. Shilpa offers an insightful peek into her family's reaction to her unconventional career choice and her exciting journey to influencing health and social care policy through groundbreaking research.
Their conversation takes an intriguing turn as they explore the challenges of embodying the public face of research and the critical importance of fostering a diverse research community. Shilpa revisits her impactful research that led to a recommendation to the ACMD not to criminalise individuals for cat use. This highlights how policy changes can significantly impact real lives. We ponder the importance of visibility of minority groups in research, a crucial step to build trust and ensure inclusivity.
In the final segment, we delve into Shilpa's experience leading a research project focused on race inequalities and inclusion in the NHS. She opens up about the daunting task of owning expertise in a field, especially as a woman in a position of power, and the urgent need to shine a light on the disparities in career opportunities between white staff and staff from black and minority ethnic groups. We wrap up our conversation by emphasising the importance of imagining a future where equality is a reality, and how collective effort can transform this dream into a tangible reality. So, if you're passionate about research, health policies, or social justice, this conversation with Shilpa Ross is an absolute must-listen.
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