Dr Katie Shearn has been appointed as Director of the Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre (AWRC) at Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park for an interim period of nine months from Monday 8 June.

Currently a Researcher within the School of Health and Social Care, Katie has been instrumental in shaping the AWRC’s work, leading the Transforming Places for Health and Wellbeing research theme and, more recently, chairing the Research in Physical Activity pillar.

Katie has an extensive background in health and wellbeing research, with a particular focus on whole‑systems transformations and advancing realist methods to evaluate and support community‑led physical activity and tackle inequalities.

She brings significant experience in leading large‑scale, collaborative research programmes, most recently heading the Sport England‑funded National Evaluation and Learning Partnership, a consortium of experts working to evaluate and promote physical activity and reduce health inequalities across the country.

Over the next nine months, Katie will work with AWRC Associate Director Clare Boot to ensure continuity and stability, drive progress on key AWRC priorities, and support the continued delivery of research and innovation to deliver the AWRC’s strategy and mission.