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Spotlight: Information Systems Manager Michael Garvey-Eckett

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) CRN South London’s Information Systems Manager, Michael Garvey-Eckett, spoke about his passion for driving digital innovation in research and his impressive portfolio of projects outside of his day-to-day work.

The aim of this monthly spotlight blog series is to celebrate, highlight, educate and inform the public about the diverse range of people who support vital research studies from within our region. We are proud of everyone who plays their part in contributing to improving the health of the population.

What do you do?

I am an Information Systems Manager within CRN South London’s business intelligence team. We analyse performance data and present our findings to the Network’s senior management team and research and development teams across south London, which allows them to make recruitment decisions for studies. I’ve worked here for almost six years and still relish the fact that my role allows me to help a lot of people.

How would you describe yourself?

Colleagues would describe me as being a detail-orientated person, who enjoys solving problems, improving our services and helping to support the wider research effort in south London.

Why did you join CRN South London?

I’ve always been interested in science and data analysis in healthcare. I take a lot of pride and fulfillment from the work we do. It is a real privilege to work to support our NHS partners through the global pandemic, and it goes to show that research supported by the CRN in the UK has led to better treatments, vaccines and improved diagnostics that have saved lives.

What are you interested in?

My interests include writing, performing, producing and directing. I’ve created my own comic book series, directed plays which have sold out in London theatres, produced my own podcast series and co-wrote children’s books with my wife. I also like to visit museums and art galleries, play video games, watch professional wrestling and attend the theatre.

Why are you involved in research?

Research leads to better treatments, new medicines and diagnostics, as well as improved mental and physical health for everyone.

Why is research important?

By taking part in research you can help to change lives both now and in the future. My advice to anyone reading this, who is thinking of volunteering to take part in a research study, is to visit the NIHR’s Be Part of Research website, Join Dementia Research service or the NHS COVID-19 Vaccine Research Registry to find out more about the opportunities that are available.

Picture credit: Kris Wood.


The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.