Annual Healthcare Lecture 2023

Dr Rubina Ahmed is the Director of Research, Policy and Services at Blood Cancer UK where she is accountable for the delivery of the charity’s mission-focused programmes.

Rubina holds a PhD in Immunology and an MSc in Management. She has broad experience as a senior leader in the health and life sciences sector working in strategy development and implementation, scientific research funding, policy and influencing, change management, health inequalities, and delivery of beneficiary services by charities. She has developed her career across both the public and charity sector, including in roles with the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK and the Stroke Association. Rubina has worked extensively with national bodies and policymakers, including serving on the Stroke Delivery Board for NHS England, development of clinical guidelines, clinical trials funding and regulations, and with organisations such as the AMRC and Richmond Group of Charities.

Alongside her role at Blood Cancer UK she is a Council Member of the British Science Association – a charity focused on the engagement of the public in science – and for Pro Bono Economics – a charity which works to demonstrate the economic value of civil society organisations to policy and decision-makers. She is also currently participating on the Academy of Medical Sciences FLIER Programme which recognises leadership in the life sciences sector.