Originally from North Macedonia, Tamara is an invaluable member of the coordinating team at Queen Mary University in London, with a background in public health research.

How did you learn about the IMPULSE study?

As my Master programme was coming to an end, I started looking for research roles at all the universities in London, hoping to remain in the city. On a short break from my thesis writing, I checked the open vacancies at Queen Mary University and stumbled upon a position on the IMPULSE project. It ticked all my boxes – an implementation research project, taking place in the region where I come from and focused on innovation in mental healthcare. 

What kind of response have you gotten to your research findings?

It has been very gratifying to see how our research is perceived to have opened the door to humanizing care for people with mental illnesses in the Southeast European region.

What is your favourite aspect of your research?

It is rewarding to be part of a project that is making a meaningful impact by transforming lives through research in a region that has been referred to as “the blind spot on the global mental health map”. The committed team effort and international environment are also some of my favourite aspects of our research.

What legislation would you change to improve how research or its implementation in your field is done? 

I find that research organizations put a lot of value on scientific publications, which often do not generate maximum impact for public health. I think that meaningful stakeholder engagement is equally as important in making knowledge count and making the best use of research for development. I would like to see stakeholder engagement being more incentivized and rewarded in public health research organizations.

What do you like to do when you aren't working on research?

I love to travel, eat good food and take photographs. It is my ultimate way to decompress.