Professor Vowles, a Professor of Clinical Health Psychology, is one of 44 policy fellows announced by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to work across 21 government departments and five What Works Centres across the UK. 

What Works Centres are government initiatives which look to improve the way that the government creates, shares, and uses evidence-based decision making, with university experts involved in providing evidence. 

The Fellowships, each lasting 18 months, will enhance the relationship between academia, government and research organisations by improving the flow of evidence, insights and talent. 

Professor Vowles, from the School of Psychology, is an expert in chronic pain and illness in adults and adolescents with a focus on assessment and treatments aimed at facilitating meaningful living within a context of persistent symptoms. 

The Fellowship will see Professor Vowles use his research and expertise to help inform and shape effective public policy and its implementation for the Northern Ireland Executive and other What Work Networks in the areas of health ageing and wellbeing. 

Speaking on the appointment, Professor Vowles said: “It is a genuine honour to be appointed to this Fellowship, which will aid in the shaping policy to help those living with chronic illnesses in Northern Ireland. I look forward to learning about and contributing to this area, which is one of the most important across all of healthcare.” 

The 2023 scheme is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC). 

This investment is part of a wider UKRI commitment to facilitate deeper and more enduring connections between researchers and policymakers. 

For more information about the Policy Fellowships, visit the UKRI website.