To foster a strong culture of engagement, the Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging (WIN) launched the Engagement Ambassadors programme in 2017, providing researchers with valuable opportunities to connect with diverse audiences. Through this initiative, participants receive formal training in public, patient, and policy engagement, along with hands-on experience to refine their communication skills.
Each year The Podium Institute’s doctoral students have the opportunity to apply as Sports Engagement Ambassadors, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the community through this worthwhile scheme. As engagement ambassadors the students get to participate in dedicated training sessions, and outreach activities within the community under the guidance of the Podium Engagement Manager, Dr Carinne Piekema and her team.
We are proud to introduce this year’s Podium Institute Ambassadors:
Podium Sport Engagement Ambassadors 2025
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I am an Engineering Science DPhil Student within the Podium Institute for Sports Medicine & Technology. My research focuses on developing a screening protocol to aid in the detection of Femoroacetabular Impingement – a common hip condition in contact sports. My aim is to develop a novel medical imaging methodology to be able to accurately identify impingement. I have always loved competing at and watching different sports. I can think of no better way to combine this passion with my research interests than as a Sports Engagement Ambassador! |
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My research focuses on preventing and predicting sudden cardiac death in youth athletes. By applying interpretable and explainable artificial intelligence to ECGs, I expect to gain more insight into the cause-effect relationship between the ‘athlete’s heart’ and sports-related cardiac arrests. I graduated from the Technical University of Berlin with a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Engineering Science, specialising in numerical methods, simulation, and control theory. Besides being a competent engineer, I’m a certified EMT (Rettungssanitäter), working full-time for almost a year in Berlin before my DPhil at the Podium Institute, and currently volunteering as a community first responder for the South Central Ambulance Service. By becoming a sports engagement ambassador, I hope to make research accessible and impactful beyond academia, and empower individuals to make informed decisions about cardiac health and safety in sports. |
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My research involves using advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to better understand what happens in the brain after a head injury. I’m hoping to identify imaging findings (and other factors such as injury mechanism) that can help us predict how well a child will recover after head trauma, with a particular focus on sports-related injuries. Sports have always been a big part of my life, currently in the form of long-distance running. I became a Sports Engagement Ambassador as I wanted to combine my passion for neuroscience and sports with public engagement activities. @izabellelovgren |