Dr Jo Dixon-Hardy

Biography

I am an experienced research innovation specialist with a 20-year track-record of delivering impact in £multi-million, multi-partner translational research and innovation programmes across a range of sectors. I currently lead the delivery of the medical technologies innovation portfolio and its translation into commercial products for the University of Leeds. In this role, I lead our strategic delivery plan to develop the capabilities needed to progress opportunities from fundamental research to the next stage of investment.

As Director of Grow MedTech, I am leading a collaborative partnership which will develop and embed this capability with our industry, clinical and wider academic partners, improving business competitiveness while enhancing the quality of life for people across the world. Over the past 10 years, I have pioneered innovative approaches to grow a culture of innovation in medtech, working closely with early career researchers and innovators to support them in realising their full professional potential.

Experience

• Director of Operations for the Medical Technologies Innovation and Knowledge Centre 2009-present
• Deputy Director of the Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Medical Devices. 2013-18
• Director of Translate MedTech (Realising Medical Technologies in the Leeds City Region) 2015-18

Key strengths

• Strategic development
• Programme and operational management
• Coaching
• Mentoring
• Skills development
• Career progression support

Interests

While it’s not device-related (yet), I am fascinated by the potential link between the microbiome in the gut and medical conditions (such as Dementia, Parkinson’s, Depression etc.) I think our understanding of the role of the microbiome in our health and well-being will transform in the next decade.