Professor Kathyrn Higgins Director of QCAP said “we are delighted to welcome a new cohort of researchers who have joined us through the SUMIT (Substance Use and Mental Health Interventions using Digital Technology) project, marking an exciting step forward in our collective mission to create research that is practical, inclusive, and grounded in real-world needs”. Each new team member arrives with a rich blend of knowledge, curiosity, and enthusiasm, strengthening our capacity to explore emerging challenges and deliver evidence that matters.

This group brings experience from a range of fields, including data analysis, community engagement, qualitative research, and policy evaluation. Their varied backgrounds allow us to approach complex questions from multiple angles, ensuring that our work remains balanced, accessible, and reflective of the communities we aim to support. Whether working directly with partners, shaping new research tools, or analysing patterns across large datasets, the SUMIT team will play a central role in expanding what QCAP can achieve across new demonstrator sites.

What stands out most about these new researchers is their shared commitment to collaboration. From their first days with us, they have demonstrated an openness to learning from colleagues, a readiness to contribute, and a genuine interest in building connections across teams. This collaborative energy strengthens our ability to generate insights that are both rigorous and relevant, shaping research that supports better decision-making across sectors and communities. 

As the SUMIT project continues to grow, the addition of this team will deepen our understanding of the issues we study and enhance our ability to respond to the priorities of partners and communities. Their work will help ensure that QCAP remains a space where innovative ideas are developed, tested, and translated into meaningful action.

We look forward to seeing the contributions each researcher will bring and to supporting their development as part of the QCAP community. Their arrival marks not just an expansion of our team, but a shared commitment to curiosity, integrity, and making a positive difference through research.