Dr Hywel Turner Evans, Research Officer, SAIL Analytical Services at Population Data Science at Swansea University, shares his inspirational journey into research with us.
What did you do before joining SAIL Databank?
I studied for a PhD in Antimatter Physics and worked as a data analyst on the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Geneva.
What sparked your interest in a research career?
I always enjoyed maths, and as a teenager I did a summer project working with the ExoMars space mission at Aberystwyth University. This gave me an idea of what skills a researcher needs and what their day-to-day looked like. I love understanding how things work, from planets and particles to people (planets and particles are much easier to predict than people)!
If any, what challenges have you faced in your journey into research?
I was fortunate to have relatively few responsibilities at university so I could focus on my studies – not everybody is as lucky. But that meant I found it tricky to maintain a healthy work-life balance – enjoying work can be a blessing and a curse!
What type of research have you worked on?
With knowledge of the SAIL Databank, I’ve worked with linked population data on a variety of subjects, such as evaluating a public health intervention for diabetes, investigating substance misuse, the effects of medication during pregnancy, and the prevalence of respiratory diseases. I have friends and family affected by each of these topics, which motivates me to improve outcomes.
What areas of research interest you? What does the future hold?
I am passionate about having an impact on meaningful policy changes to improve lives within years rather than decades. As researchers, we have a crucial role in communicating our research to diverse audiences, which is one of the most important aspects of the job. I hope we get our research to the right place at the right time for action.
What advice would you give to someone looking at a research career?
Look for internships and give it a go. Working with various research groups gives you a better chance of understanding what work you enjoy. It’s important to work well with colleagues. The Population Data Science team at Swansea Uni is the most collaborative research community I have been a part of, so the future is exciting—join us!
SAIL Databank is one of the 12 Centres of Excellence based in Population Data Science at Swansea University. Find out more about their work on their website.
