Meet the centre team

Prof Robert Read, director 

Combining clinical and research expertise, Professor Read is director of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, and interested in the biological mechanisms, treatment and prevention of lethal infectious diseases, with a particular focus on meningitis and influenza.

Prof Keith Godfrey, lifecourse nutrition, lifestyle and health theme lead

With a personal commitment to better health and healthcare through evidence-based nutritional diagnoses, Keith directs our research into nutrition to advance health and wellbeing.

Prof Ratko Djukanovic, respiratory and critical care theme lead

A respiratory consultant and researcher with a focus on asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Ratko Djukanovic directs the Southampton Centre for Biomedical Research and leads our respiratory and critical care research.

Prof Anneke Lucassen, theme lead for data science

Anneke leads our NIHR Biomedical Research Centre’s research into the use of large datasets for personalised medicine and the cross cutting data science theme since July 2018. 

Prof Lucy Yardley, theme lead for behavioural science

With extensive experience developing digital interventions, Prof Lucy Yardley is leading our research into new ways to empower patients to change their behaviour and self-manage their condition.

Dr Karen Phekoo, senior NIHR BRC programme manager

Highly qualified with over 20 years’ experience in strategically leading and influencing local, regional, national and international quality and research programmes in the healthcare sector, Dr Phekoo will manage projects and programmes to ensure they are delivered on time, on budget at our established
world-class standard. 

Josune Olza Meneses, NIHR BRC research project manager

Mandy Fripp, Administrator to the NIHR BRC

Mandy provides a comprehensive, events planning and administrative service to the NIHR BRC Director and Senior Manager.