Head of Data Access and Public Engagement, Dept of Health and Social Care

Contiinuing Policy Fellow, Centre for Science and Policy

In his current role, Dr Watts leads government policy and strategy towards implementing £175m NHS Data for R&D programme across NHS. Previously, Dr Watts was Head of Cross-Government Data Strategy, Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England. He was responsible for driving forward the departments ambitions in genomics and genomic-based healthcare, collaborating with industry, academia, the NHS and Genomics England. Prior to joining the Civil Service he was a research scientist, specialising in medicinal chemistry and structure-based drug-design. He is continually seeking ways to improve policy and delivery within Government based on a sound understanding of the subject matter and rigorous use of data and analytics.

In his previous role as Head of Regional Testing Sites, NHS Test & Trace for the Department of Health and Social Care he delivered a network of ~50 drive through testing sites and more than 400 Covid testing facilities nationwide.

Dr Joseph Watts holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry "The Synthesis of A-Ring Fluorinated Bile Acid Analogues" and MChem both awarded from the University of Southampton.