Speaker Details

Edyta McCallum

Head of Research Co-ordination, Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB) and Kent County Council (KCC)

Dr Edyta McCallum is an experienced Research & Innovation (R&I) leader with over 16 years’ experience in developing research governance, infrastructure and cross‑sector partnerships across health and care. In her current role at the Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (ICB), Dr McCallum leads the development of a system‑wide R&I function that enables the Integrated Care System (ICS) to embed evidence, data and research into strategic and operational decision‑making. Working closely with senior system leaders, she is responsible for building research infrastructure, strengthening cross‑system governance, widening participation opportunities and ensuring that research activity aligns with local population health priorities.

A major focus of her portfolio is the Neighbourhood Health Service, where she plays a central role in embedding research within the new neighbourhood model. This includes contributing to system‑wide organogram design, advising on restructuring and workforce functions, and ensuring that research, evaluation and data‑driven learning are integral to Neighbourhood Health delivery.

Dr McCallum also works closely with Public Health and Kent County Council to embed research culture in schools, care homes, mental health services and sexual health services.

Alongside her ICB and KCC roles, she is also the Chair of the Research & Development (R&D) Forum’s Wider Health, Care and Community Research Group, a national group supporting colleagues delivering research outside NHS settings.

Dr McCallum believes that R&I should operate in parallel with the Integrated Care Partnership (ICP), ensuring that science, evidence and systematic learning underpin the future of integrated health and care.