Eirini Kontou

Eirini Kontou is a Clinical Psychologist at Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and an Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham. She is the Lead Investigator for the OPTIMISE project and she has a long-standing interest for supporting research for improving psychological care after stroke. She works clinically in an inpatient stroke unit and her research is currently funded by a career development award from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

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Marie Williams

Marie has a background in psychology and previously worked as an Assistant Clinical Psychologist in a neurorehabilitation service. She has worked as a Research Assistant within the Trust since 2017, conducting epidemiological research and leading service evaluations to improve the quality and effectiveness of care. She is also currently completing an MSc in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

For the OPTIMISE project, Marie is the first point of contact if you have any questions about taking part in the research or joining our Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) group.

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Sandra Wydera

Sandra has a background in health psychology and criminology. She works as an Assistant Psychologist in an Older People Community Mental Health Team and was involved in research focusing on supporting people who have experienced acquired brain injury, transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and stroke. Although she has since moved on from her research role, she continues to support the OPTIMISE project and maintains a strong interest in improving care for people affected by TIA and stroke.

Avril Drummond

Avril Drummond is Professor of Healthcare Research at the University of Nottingham. She is an occupational therapist with a longstanding clinical and academic interest in stroke rehabilitation. She is a past Chair of the UK Stroke Forum, a member of the RCP Intercollegiate Working Party for Stroke and is Chair of the Scientific Committee for the European Life after Stroke Conference.

Avril is a trustee of the Stroke Association and Editor-in-chief of ‘Clinical Rehabilitation’.

Terry Quinn

Professor Terry Quinn has recently taken up the David Cargill Chair in Geriatric Medicine. Terry has a broad research portfolio, his research interests include trial methodology, functional/cognitive assessment, and evidence synthesis. He has published over 300 papers, 10 book chapters and various guidelines and best practice statements.

Terry holds editorial board positions, including coordinating editor of the Cochrane Dementia Group and Deputy Editor of Age and Ageing. He is past chair of the stroke psychology special interest group of the World Federation of Neuropsychology, chairs the European Stroke Organization Guideline Board and is the NHS Scotland Research Lead for Ageing Research. Within University of Glasgow, Terry is vice chair of ethics and coordinates the vascular theme in the School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health. He combines his research with teaching and clinical commitments in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

Kate Horton

Kate Horton is our Public Involvement Lead. In her role she supports the team and members of the Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) group, organises and leads PPI meetings and ensures feedback from the group is heard, noted and implemented to the highest standard.

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Professor Roshan das Nair

Roshan das Nair is Professor of Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology at the University of Nottingham (UK) and is Senior Research Scientistat the Health Division of SINTEF (Norway). He is an HCPC registered practitioner clinical psychologist. His research interests include the development and evaluation of complex interventions and implementation science. Most of his research has been in the area of neuropsychological rehabilitation following multiple sclerosis, stroke, and brain injuries.