NHS Fife Local Infrastructure
NHS Fife has recently integrated Innovation into its well established Research & Development (R&D) Department. R&D, led by the Assistant R&D Director, is supported by the extensive R&D team. Innovation is headed up locally by the Innovation Champion, supported by an Innovation Support post and centrally by the South East Scotland Innovation Network.
R&D and Innovation activities are overseen by the NHS Fife RD&I Director, with the Board Medical Director acting as the RD&I Lead. Both R&D and Innovation are located in Queen Margaret Hospital, Dunfermline.
Meet the Team
Professor Frances Quirk
Assistant Research and Development Director
Professor Frances Quirk is the newly appointed Assistant Research and Development Director at NHS Fife, previous roles include; Director of the New England Institute of Healthcare Research at the University of New England, Director of Research at Barwon Health, Victoria, Professor of Mental Health and Behavioural Science at James Cook University and Senior Associate Director Clinical Development at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Frances is a Chartered Health Psychologist, behavioural scientist, psychometrician and sexologist and is recognised as an expert internationally in the development of measures to assess aspects of quality of life, function and assessment (specifically across four clinical areas; respiratory disease, sexual function, eating disorders and mental health) either in the acute, community or clinical trials setting.
Frances has an extensive track record of international collaboration, publications, presentations and consultation and engagement with 100+ presentations at scientific meetings in Europe, UK, USA, Australia and New Zealand. As a consultant and profile staff within the Pharmaceutical industry Frances engaged in extensive consultation and engagement with industry, Key Opinion Leaders and regulatory agencies in the UK, Europe and the USA.
Neil Mitchell
Innovation Manager
Neil has an undergraduate and post graduate degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Dundee and University of Glasgow, respectively.
Following graduation Neil worked in Busan, South Korea for two years. Returning to the UK, Neil first began working in the research environment in Regulatory Affairs for a Contract Research Organisation, based in Nottingham.
After moving north to Edinburgh, he joined NHS Lothian Research and Development as a Research Governance Officer, focussing on commercial research within the NHS. After gaining experience in research governance, Neil moved to a sponsorship role in the University of Edinburgh, working on a European wide Alzheimer’s research project. Following the end of this trial, Neil moved to the role of Clinical Research Facilitator within the University of Edinburgh working on non-CTIMPs, CTIMPs and NHS Lothian led research projects and clinical trials requiring sponsorship.
Neil has joined NHS Fife as Innovation Manager and brings extensive knowledge in research governance and health and medical research. Neil looks forward to working closely with the HISES team and utilising his wealth of experience to support Innovation projects in Fife and the South East.
Serena Venegoni
Senior Project Manager
Serena Venegoni is a Senior Project Manager leading the Reducing Drug Deaths Open Challenge. Serena has an NHS background in service improvement and operational efficiency, and has previously worked with private industry, academia, and third-sector organisations.
Throughout her career, Serena has led the implementation of digital transformation programmes involving NHS users and coordinated large-scale projects in collaboration with council partners and external organisations.
Previously, she managed operational roles and patient flow throughout the hospital, optimising operations, enhancing patient experiences, and ensuring a seamless process from admission to discharge.
She executed strategic projects to enhance internal efficiency, led virtual teams in operational improvement initiatives and implemented an IT content management solutions.
Serena managed a multimillion-pound project to establish specialised nursing and elder care for individuals with learning disabilities. She ensured projects were completed on time and within budget, streamlined processes, monitored key performance indicators, conducted risk assessments, built strong networks with stakeholders, and defined strategies and project scopes. Earlier in her career, Serena gained international experience managing substantial sales units, launching new office automation products, and serving as a Business Process Owner in a large European software implementation programme.
She brings expertise in Lean Six Sigma, APM, and Agile Project methodologies. Serena is also pursuing an MSc in Leading Transformation in Health and Social Care at the University of Aberdeen, further strengthening her leadership in healthcare innovation.
Serena is known for her passion, energy, and cooperative leadership style.