Dunn_Kate - Keele University
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Primary Care & Health Sciences

Dr Kate Dunn

Title: Wellcome Trust Reader in Epidemiology
Phone: +44 (0) 1782 734703
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Location: DJW 0.76
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I came to Keele University in 1995 as a research assistant, following a Geography degree from Nottingham University focused on Medical Geography, and a period working in Public Health where I obtained my Diploma in Epidemiology. I worked on a variety of epidemiological studies on topics including sexual problems, on which I completed my MPhil in 1998. From 1999-2000 I worked in India as an epidemiologist with Voluntary Services Overseas, returning to Keele University to do my PhD on the Epidemiology of Back Pain in Primary Care (awarded in 2004).

Since my PhD I have focused on the epidemiology of pain, and I obtained a Wellcome Trust Fellowship in 2008 to investigate the course of symptoms over time and the influence of the family on patterns of chronic pain.

I was promoted to Reader in Epidemiology in January 2011.

I have an interest in the epidemiology of pain conditions in the population and primary care. I have a particular emphasis on back pain, and focus on the study of the long-term course of pain conditions, looking at definitions, trajectories and prognostic factors. I also work with my multidisciplinary colleagues investigating how these findings can influence treatments and services for these conditions. I have a developing interest in family influences on chronic pain, and the study of pain over the life course.

 

Current research grants include:

  • The course of symptoms over time and the influence of the family on patterns of chronic pain. Wellcome Trust Research Career Development Fellowship in Basic Biomedical Science. £586,110 over 6 years 2008-2013. (Personal fellowship)

  • Optimal management of spinal pain and sciatica in primary care. NHS National Institute for Health Research – Programme Grant for Applied Research. £1,981,142 over 5 years, 2009-2014. (Co-applicant)

I teach a variety of sessions on epidemiology and research methods including on the Masters in Medical Science Statistics & Epidemiology Module at Keele University.

I am a Member of the Society for Social Medicine, the Society for Academic Primary Care and the Society for Back Pain Research. I am an Expert Panel Member for the NIHR Research Design Service - West Midlands (Keele Hub). I regularly peer review for a range of grant giving bodies and scientific journals.