Karen moved to the University of Ulster in 2025 as Professor of Healthcare Research and Impact. Previously, she was Professor of Applied Ageing and Dementia Research and Acting Director for the Centre for Applied Dementia Studies at the University of Bradford.
Karen has worked across health and care leading research and evaluation programmes focused on adults and older people and, which have explored well-being, prevention and early intervention, personalisation, long-term conditions, multimorbidity, mental health, health and work, health and technology, acute care, cancer care, and system and service integration. Her projects have consistently engaged healthcare clinicians, professionals, and diverse populations, including seldom-heard voices.
Outcomes from her research have been cited in seminal policy documents, influenced national policy, supported strategic and clinical practitioners in implementing evidence-based services, demonstrated cost efficiencies across the health and social care economy, and ultimately improved the quality of life for users and carers.