Dr Joe Watts

Dr Joe Watts leads the department’s work to drive secure, streamlined research access to NHS data through the implementation of platforms known as ‘Secure Data Environments’, a major transformation to improve the value derived from England’s health data while maintaining public trust. Alongside this he leads the first large-scale engagement programme on health data, which is ensuring that we build in public views early for current and future data transformation efforts. Previously he led the government’s policy and delivery of genomics and genomic-based healthcare, collaborating with industry, academia, the NHS and Genomics England. Working in the Office for Life Sciences he sponsored the relationship between Government and major pharmaceutical companies, building on his experience prior to joining the Civil Service as a research scientist specialising in medicinal chemistry and structure-based drug-design.