Introducing SPHERE’s new Research Support Officer

SPHERE is pleased to welcome Emily Willmore as our new Research Support Officer.

Emily brings a strong mix of research operations, grant management and international experience to the role. With a background in biomedical science and finance, she has built her career around supporting research that brings people, ideas and expertise together to tackle complex health challenges.

Before joining SPHERE, Emily spent three years in London working with Cancer Research UK on Cancer Grand Challenges, a global team science initiative delivered in partnership with the United States National Cancer Institute.

As Operations Officer and Grants Manager for the initiative, Emily supported international research teams working across a range of complex cancer research challenges. The role gave her the opportunity to work closely with researchers from around the world and strengthened her interest in supporting research that has the potential to make a real-world difference.

“I loved being close to researchers working on such innovative ideas and pushing the boundaries of research,” Emily said.

“It was incredibly rewarding to see global teams working together from all corners of the world.”

Emily returned to Australia late last year and was keen to continue working in the research sector. She said SPHERE’s focus on translating research into practice was a key reason she was attracted to the role.

“What really drew me to SPHERE was the focus on taking what we learn through research and applying it in ways that can benefit patients and communities,” she said.

“I really like the idea of being part of that full translation pathway, from research through to real-world impact.”

In her role as Research Support Officer, Emily will support SPHERE’s research translation activities, bringing experience in grant management, operations, data and researcher engagement.

“I really enjoy connecting with researchers and supporting the work that helps research move forward,” she explains.

“I hope to bring my experience in grants management, operations and working within a large research initiative to the role, while also learning more about Australia’s health translation landscape.”

Outside of work, Emily enjoys staying active, playing netball, going to the gym, travelling and spending time with friends.

SPHERE looks forward to Emily’s contribution as the organisation continues to support research translation across its partnership.