Dedicated Researcher
Dedicated to advancing knowledge and promoting social change, I am Dr Ilaria Pina, a mixed-methods researcher with a background in health and social sciences, and a strong interest in addressing health and social inequalities.
My work is grounded in applied, interdisciplinary research, with a focus on wellbeing promotion and meaningful engagement with diverse communities and people with lived experience.
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I have worked across several research-intensive UK universities, within policy environments, and alongside a range of funders including the National Institute Health Research, National Lottery and Sport England.
Research and work experiences
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I currently collaborate as a Research Officer at the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, where I contribute to evidence reviews and policy analysis, and support the research with a trauma-informed approach.
My previous roles include a Research Associate positions at Newcastle University, where I worked on the delivery of a project to support holistic health in people living with severe mental ill-health, and at the Universities of Leeds and Leicester, where I worked on both national and international health and social research projects, including community-based interventions and clinical trials in low- and middle-income countries.
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I hold a PhD in Psychology from the University of Stirling. My academic background also includes a BSc in Physiotherapy and an MSc in Cognitive Sciences and Decision Making (Applied Cognitive Neuroscience), both from the University of Milan.
My areas of expertise include the use of qualitative and quantitative methods, evaluation and implementation frameworks, behavioural science, and policy-relevant research. I have developed skills in co-production, stakeholder engagement and public involvement, and I continue to build on these through ongoing training and collaborative work.
I completed certified training in Programme Evaluation, Theory-Based evaluations, and Theory of Change for third-sector organisations, which supports my ability to plan and evaluate complex interventions in applied settings, particularly in health and social care.
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