Dr Uduak Okomo, Clinical Assistant Professor and Births theme lead for MARCH, has accepted a new role as Research Coordinator for Maternal and Neonatal Health at the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM.

The purpose of the role is to facilitate the coordination and implementation of research activities in maternal and neonatal health across the Unit’s research themes: disease control and elimination; nutrition; and vaccines and immunity. The research coordinator role is in addition to Dr Okomo’s existing positions.

Through the role Dr Okomo will act as a representative for the Unit’s work on maternal and neonatal health in national and international meetings and provide strategic direction and support for the cross-cutting activities within the Unit.

Her priorities include gaining a better understanding of the scope of work conducted at the Unit, to identify research strengths and map areas for future investment. The Unit has been conducting research into infertility since 2016, and looks forward to broadening the scope and horizons of the research and impact. Dr Okomo also hopes to coordinate further research into sexual and reproductive health and incorporate social science implementation research into the Unit.

She said, “I’m excited about this role and hope to use the opportunity to increase collaboration between the Unit’s research themes and forge greater links between the MRC Unit and maternal and neonatal health activities at LSHTM, alongside leading international groups such as the World Health Organization (WHO).”

As Research Coordinator, Dr Okomo will also support early career researchers, lead on seminars and workshops and play a key role in funding opportunities.