Gill Archibald
Administrator
Gill Archibald, BA
Administrator
Gill joined KSR in June 2022 as an administrator. She provides administrative support to all staff, as well as assisting the information team.
- Gill has a BA (Joint Hons) in English and Library Studies from Loughborough University.
- Prior to joining KSR, Gill worked in various information/research roles at a leading management consultancy, a major government department, and a further education college working with undergraduate students. She has covered a variety of subject fields from the energy industries, through crime and criminal justice to land-based industries. During this time, as well as supporting researchers, she has managed projects, taught information literacy skills, and copyedited and edited various publications including reports, publicity materials and a national website.
- In her spare time, Gill enjoys gardening and dance classes. After researching apple varieties, she is just about to plant a new apple tree, and is having a go a printmaking as a craft interest.
Nigel Armstrong
HTA Lead
Nigel Armstrong, PhD
HTA Lead
Nigel joined KSR in 2010 as a health economist, and then health economics manager. His role includes managing the health economics team, the design of decision models for cost effectiveness analysis, the performance of systematic reviews and the conduct of various types of meta-analysis. He has played a leading role in the health technology assessment (HTA) work that KSR performs for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
- After completing his degree, Nigel worked for about 10 years as a physiotherapist, specialising in stroke before doing the MSc in Health Economics at the University of York in 2000. His PhD in the Economics of Sexual Health (fertility control) was completed in 2011.
- Nigel has worked as a health economist at the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) at the University of York and Newcastle University.
- His professional interests include methods of HTA including decision modelling and evidence synthesis.
- Nigel also enjoys photography and outdoor swimming with/without wetsuit!
Jonathan Emerson
Reviews Manager / Statistician
Jonathan Emerson, PhD
Reviews Manager / Statistician
Jonathan joined KSR in June 2024 as a Reviews Manager and Statistician. Within his role at KSR he leads and conducts commissioned systematic reviews, health technology appraisals, diagnostic assessment reports, and diagnostic early value assessments for NICE.
- After obtaining his PhD in experimental psychology and neuroscience, Jonathan gained strong experience in computer programming, statistical modelling, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. He also has extensive experience in teaching and supervising the design and development of research projects across various postgraduate professional advanced clinical practice courses, as well as PhD and staff research.
- Before joining KSR, Jonathan was a Senior Lecturer in Quantitative Research Methods at Teesside University, School of Health. He also worked as Lead Statistician and Co-investigator supporting an NIHR Advanced Fellowship (£1.1m) along with other NIHR (Health and Social Care Delivery), Surgical and Scoliosis funded research programmes.
- Deeply committed to the principles of slow science, emphasising reproducibility, transparency, and the development of responsible and sustainable scientific inquiry, Jonathan also served on the Allied Health Professionals’ Ethics Board sub-group. He has established strong partnerships with local primary and secondary care services, fostering effective communication and collaboration to design and implement impactful clinical audit and service evaluation projects aimed at quality improvement, best practice and standard of care.
- As a self-proclaimed “hobby hoarder”, Jonathan bounces from one interest to another and back again like a magpie chasing shiny objects. One week it’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the next he’s binging true crime documentaries and podcasts.
John Franklin
Director of Reviews
John Franklin, PhD
Director of Reviews
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John has over 16 years’ experience as a Senior Lecturer in Research Methods, developing research projects at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, leading and developing the MRes Clinical Research programme, and continuing to supervise and support PhD students.
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He has expertise in leading and delivering high-quality evidence synthesis projects, including systematic reviews, diagnostic test accuracy studies, meta-analyses, and applied interdisciplinary health research.
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John is skilled in a broad range of research methodologies, spanning quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods approaches, with applications across diverse clinical areas such as stroke rehabilitation, frailty, chronic fatigue, pain science education, and elderly nutrition.
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In John’s former role he acted as Vice-Chair of an Allied Health Research Ethics Committee and Chair of the Teesside University Early Career Research Forum, with a strong track record in mentoring, supervision, and supporting research culture.
Mike Graham
Reviews Manager
Mike Graham, PhD
Reviews Manager
Mike joined KSR Ltd in October 2025 as a Reviews Manager, where he oversees and conducts systematic reviews (SRs), evidence synthesis, and diagnostic assessments for organisations such as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
- Mike has a PhD in Exercise Science, with research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of school playgrounds in enhancing children’s physical activity and movement skills.
- Prior to joining KSR Ltd, Mike was a Senior Lecturer in Exercise Science, where he designed and delivered both primary and secondary research projects, with a strong track record in health services, exercise science and public health research. He is an experienced researcher and academic, providing mentorship and supervision to PhD candidates and academic staff.
- Mike’s work bridges academia and practice, with strengths in project management, stakeholder collaboration, and translating evidence into impact; a member of Cochrane Engage and university ethics boards, he brings methodological rigour, digital proficiency, and leadership in interdisciplinary teams
- Mikes enjoys spending time with his family and most outdoor activities, and as a sport and exercise scientist he enjoys finding new ways of keeping fit and healthy.
Maria Katsipataki
Systematic Reviewer
Maria Katsipataki, PhD
Systematic Reviewer
Maria joined KSR in May 2025 as a Systematic Reviewer.
- Maria completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology, followed by an MSc in Psychology from the University of York. Following that, she completed her PhD in Education at Durham University investigating the relationship of motor skills and motor development with different aspects of academic performance in the early years.
- She has extensive experience in conducting systematic reviews, umbrella reviews and evaluating the impact of meta-analysis to promote evidence-based research in Education. Maria has been a core member within the Durham University team responsible for producing the EEF-Teaching and Learning Toolkit, an accessible summary of international educational evidence used by 70% of schools in England. Based on this work’s impact the EEF has been designated by the government as the “What Works Centre” for Education.
- Maria is also an Associate Editor for the Campbell Education Co-ordinating Group (ECG) and an External Examiner for the University of East London in the Psychology in Education programme.
- Her research interests are focused on developmental psychology, early childhood, as well as evidence-based research and different ways of dissemination to diverse audiences.
- In her spare time Maria enjoys baking and travelling.
Dan Lin
Systematic Reviewer
Dan Lin, PhD
Systematic Reviewer
Dan Lin joined KSR in September 2025 as a Systematic Reviewer.
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Dan holds a BSc in Physiotherapy and worked for nearly nine years in stroke rehabilitation before completing an MSc in Exercise Rehabilitation at Bangor University. She recently completed her PhD at Teesside University, where she developed a home-based mental practice web app (combining action observation and motor imagery) for stroke survivors and caregivers, passing her viva in July 2025.
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She has advanced methodological expertise in systematic reviews, meta-analysis (using R), qualitative research, co-design methods, feasibility RCT design, and complex intervention development. Her work has also explored technology-supported rehabilitation. During her PhD, Dan also taught as an assistant lecturer, supporting MSc students in research design, critical analysis, and academic writing.
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Dan is particularly interested in stroke recovery, neuroplasticity, and the role of digital health technologies in supporting rehabilitation. Methodologically, she focuses on systematic evidence synthesis, meta-analysis, qualitative research, and rigorous trial design to generate data-driven insights that inform clinical practice and health policy.
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Dan enjoys outdoor activities, staying active through workouts, spending time with her family, and exploring new things to learn.
Willemijn Linden
Database Manager / Business Support
Willemijn Linden, MA
Database Manager / Business Support
Willemijn (Will) joined KSR in January 2018 as database manager for KSR Evidence, database of systematic reviews in healthcare. Since joining the team, she has lead multiple software development projects and attended conferences both in the UK and abroad to promote KSR Evidence. After 6 years as database manager, she is currently pursuing an MSc in Health Research at the University of York in order to transition to a career in health research upon finishing her degree in September 2026.
- After finishing her BA in Arts and Culture in Maastricht, Will obtained her MA in Publishing at Oxford Brookes University in September 2017.
- While finishing her MA degree, Will completed two internships at Oxford University Press: one in marketing and one in editorial.
- Her professional interests are varied and include software development, user experience testing, and web design.
- Will is an accomplished baker (her colleagues’ words!), and enjoys playing non-competitive hockey with an entirely too competitive attitude on the weekends.
Kevin McDermott
Systematic Reviewer
Kevin McDermott, MSc
Systematic Reviewer
Kevin joined KSR in early 2021. He is involved in all aspects of research, analysis and evidence appraisal and has contributed to the delivery of systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and critical appraisal of NICE technology assessments.
- After completing his Honours degree in physiology, Kevin pursued postgraduate studies in Molecular Physiology and followed this up with periods in laboratory research. He is currently pursuing his doctoral research.
- He has experience of several areas of bench work across cell culture, 3D tissue modelling and use of murine models as well as in delivering scientific education.
- Kevin has varied interests across health research and physiology but is particularly interested in human performance, movement, musculoskeletal function across the lifespan, digital health technologies, and the application of systematic evidence synthesis and quality appraisal to generate rational data driven conclusions on questions of health and medicine.
- Kevin is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys strength training, hiking and calisthenics. He is a passionate reader and is interested in Jacobean history, and the reformation era. He also enjoys real ales, strong coffee, and metal detecting in the hills of Scotland.
Keith Nockels
Information Specialist
Keith Nockels, DipLib
Information Specialist
Keith joined KSR in August 2025 as an Information Specialist. Since joining, Keith has started to take part in designing and running literature searches for reviews undertaken by KSR, and in screening references for inclusion in the KSR database of systematic reviews.
- After obtaining an MA (Hons) in General Arts from the University of Edinburgh, Keith completed a Diploma in Librarianship at the College of Librarianship Wales (now part of the University of Aberystwyth).
- Prior to working at KSR Ltd, he was the subject librarian for health courses at the University of Leicester, teaching literature searching and reference management. He took part in several systematic review projects as the information specialist and is a published author on a number of reviews.
- He is a chartered member of CILIP and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
- His professional interests include literature search techniques, the use of EndNote reference management software, information sources that diversify the content of information retrieved, and keeping up to date with developments in generative artificial intelligence.
- Keith is a regular Parkrunner and participant in the Sheffield 10k and Half Marathon. He is also learning to play the cornet.
Abdullah Pandor
Co-Director
Abdullah Pandor, MSc
Co-Director
Abdullah joined KSR in March 2026 as Co-Director, bringing over 20 years’ experience in health technology assessment (HTA) and evidence synthesis. Prior to joining KSR, he worked on a wide range of projects for national and international commissioners, contributing to strategic development, methodological innovation, and high-quality delivery aligned with policy and commissioner priorities. Abdullah brings a combination of strategic leadership, governance experience, and commissioner-focused delivery, supporting KSR’s ambitions as an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT).
- Prior to joining KSR, Abdullah held senior leadership roles at the Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research (SCHARR), University of Sheffield, including HTA Reviewers’ Lead, Head of Reviews for SCHARR-TAG, and Senior Research Fellow in Evidence Synthesis. He led large portfolios of complex HTA projects for major funders including NIHR, NICE, industry, and international agencies.
- Abdullah has authored over 80 peer-reviewed publications, including around 20 HTA monographs, and has contributed to methodological innovation, particularly in rapid reviews and the application of AI and automation in evidence synthesis.
- He is a standing member of NICE’s Medical Technologies Advisory Committee (MTAC) and the NIHR Decarbonising Health and Social Care Committee, contributing to national funding and policy decisions. He has also served as an expert evaluator for the Horizon Europe Health Research Programme and was a member of the NIHR HTA General Funding Committee (2022–2026).
- His professional interests include the strategic development of HTA and evidence synthesis to inform healthcare decision-making, methodological innovation (including AI, automation, and rapid reviews), diagnostic and prognostic evaluation, and the integration of evidence into cost-effectiveness modelling and policy.
- Outside of work, Abdullah enjoys travelling, hiking, and spending time outdoors with his family.
Victoria Penrose
Admin Coordinator
Victoria Penrose
Admin Coordinator
Victoria joined KSR in January 2009. As the Admin Coordinator she is responsible for providing support to the reviews managers/systematic reviewers, health economists, and information specialists on all projects as well as supporting the senior management team in other office functions.
- Her expertise lies in searching the internet for full text articles/studies, and proof reading/copy editing final reports before submission to the commissioners.
- Prior to working at KSR, Victoria worked as a PA to the Managing Director of a very large blue-chip company in Leeds before taking a career break to have a family. Victoria then returned to an administrative position in an accountancy practice, followed by becoming a PA/paraplanner to a financial planning expert before being offered the opportunity of Office Manager for a national construction company.
- Victoria has a wealth of PA/secretarial/administrative experience at senior levels which have been gained over the past 30+ years in a number of different industries.
- Victoria’s personal interests are spending quality time with her partner, daughters and grandson, and she especially likes going for a walk with her dachshund Dexter before cuddling up on the sofa and watching a good boxset!
Lisa Stirk
Senior Information Specialist
Lisa Stirk, MScEcon
Senior Information Specialist
Lisa joined KSR in November 2013 as an Information Specialist. Since joining the team she has been involved in designing and running literature searches for reviews undertaken by KSR and other contracted organisations, and the development of the KSR Evidence database of systematic reviews.
- After completing a BA Hons in Language and Linguistic Science from the University of York, Lisa obtained an MSc Econ in Information and Library Studies from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth.
- Prior to joining KSR Ltd, she worked as an Information Specialist at the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD) at the University of York, and at the House of Commons library in London as a Library Executive.
- Her professional interests include advanced search methods in systematic reviews, and the use of Endnote reference management software.
- Lisa enjoys keeping active in her spare time and has recently started taking dance classes! She also enjoys cooking, reading and crochet.
Robert Wolff
Co-Director
Robert Wolff, MD
Co-Director
Robert is a Co-Director of KSR. He joined KSR in 2008 as a systematic reviewer. Since joining the team, he has worked on a variety of projects for reimbursement agencies in Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK as well as pharmaceutical companies and scientific societies. Robert was promoted to Deputy Director in February 2017 and to Managing Director in May 2021. He has been a Co-Director, alongside Abdullah Pandor, since 2026.
- After finishing his medical education at the universities of Berlin and Freiburg, Robert worked as a paediatrician in Freiburg. During this time, he also worked as a researcher for Cochrane Germany.
- Robert is a member of the Cochrane Comparing Multiple Interventions Group and the Cochrane Prognosis Methods Group. He is also member of the German Network for Evidence Based Medicine and the GRADE Working Group.
- He is a member of the ROBIS (Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews) group, contributed to QUAPAS (Quality Assessment of Prognostic Accuracy Studies), and is a member of the steering group for PROBAST, a tool to assess risk of bias and applicability of prediction model studies.
- His professional interests are varied and include guideline methodology, prognostic topics, knowledge translation and teaching evidence-based medicine.
- In his spare time, Robert enjoys travelling and playing board games – though not at the same time.
Huiqin Yang
Reviews Manager / Statistician
Huiqin Yang, PhD
Reviews Manager / Statistician
Huiqin joined KSR Ltd as a reviews manager in September 2023. Her role involves managing and leading systematic reviews and HTAs for the NICE Health Technology Appraisal Programme. Huiqin has over 16 years’ experience in systematic reviews, HTAs, evidence synthesis and meta-analyses. She has led a wide range of systematic reviews and HTAs to inform evidence-based recommendations for innovative therapeutic technologies and medical devices/diagnostic technologies for NICE and the UK National Screening Committee (NSC).
- Huiqin has a PhD in Medical Decision Making and a MSc. in Health Services Research from the University of York.
- Huiqin was Deputy Director of Pen TAG (Peninsula Technology Assessment Group) and Senior Research Fellow in Health Technology Assessment at the University of Exeter Medical School. She also held a research position at the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (York Technology Assessment Group) at the University of York. Huiqin was Lead Consultant in the Global Health Economics and Outcome Research Practice at ICON Clinical Research.
- Huiqin is a member of the Cochrane Bias Methods Group and the Cochrane Prognosis Methods Group, as well as the European Society for Medical Decision Making. She has also been an International Associate Editor for BMC Health Servies Research, and was invited to be a referee for Cochrane Library, the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Journal Library Grants for Applied Research Programme and the UK NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme.
- Her research interests include methods of evidence synthesis, HTAs and medical decision making.
- In her spare time, Huiqin enjoys playing badminton and table tennis as well as cycling.
Sarah Yelland
HR & Operations Director
Sarah Yelland, Chartered MCIPD
HR & Operations Director
Sarah joined KSR in July 2021 as a HR & Office Manager and was promoted in February 2022 to HR & Operations Director where she provides strategic and operational support to the business.
- After finishing her post-graduate diploma in Human Resources, Sarah progressed to obtain her chartered MCIPD.
- Sarah has over 25 years’ experience within HR, Accounts, Payroll, Health and Safety and Office Management across several industry sectors.
- Her professional interests lie within the HR generalist role whilst gaining an understanding of the medical research industry.
- Sarah enjoys being active and spending time with family and friends.