In this blog post, Timothy Osborne, Research Officer & Data Scientist, Health Data Research (HDR) UK Wales, shares his inspirational journey into research with us.
What did you do before joining HDR UK Wales?
I studied Mathematics at Swansea University and completed my MSc in early 2020. My first role after graduating was as a Data Analyst for Test, Trace & Protect, which gave me an opportunity to develop coding and data visualisation skills that helped me to secure a role at Population Data Science.
What sparked your interest in a career in research?
I’ve always had an interest in numbers and data, and developed an interest in programming and analysis throughout my studies. Combining these interests and skills to improve people’s health and wellbeing really appealed to me. As well as this, research offers the opportunity to keep learning and developing, which was a draw for me.
If any, what challenges have you faced in your journey into research?
I would say my biggest challenge has been transitioning into research without a PhD or extensive experience in academic writing. Coming from a Maths background of numbers and equations, telling a story through writing didn’t come naturally to me. Thankfully throughout my career in research I’ve been given the training and support needed to develop these skills.
What type of research have you worked on?
I am currently working in the HDR UK ‘Medicines in Acute and Chronic Care’ Driver programme, investigating how interactions between medications can lead to harm. Before this, much of my work focused on chronic conditions, particularly understanding the impact of COVID-19 on delayed diagnoses and healthcare resource use, with a further focus on how these changes varied geographically.
What areas of research interest you? What does the future hold?
I am especially excited by the work I am undertaking in my current role. Since it is a relatively new area of research for me, I am learning so much about medicines, and the statistical methods we are using. I hope that our work can be used to inform changes in healthcare delivery and help to reduce medication-related harm.
What advice would you give to someone looking at a career in research?
Seek out roles that align with your interests, and take every opportunity you can to develop yourself both as an individual and as a researcher.
HDR UK Wales 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.
