Niks is a member of the public with a strong interest in how data can be used responsibly to improve population health through innovative research.  He is particularly interested in prevention relating to addiction and mental health.Ìý
He graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of East Anglia in 2025, where he developedÌýa real appreciationÌýfor how data-driven approaches can be used to better understand human behaviour. His dissertation explored the relationship between early gambling exposure and later-life harmful gambling using nationally representative survey data.Ìý
He brings experience from several relevant PPI (Patient & Public Involvement) and governance roles. Niks is a member of advisory groups at DATAMIND and Student Minds and is a PPI Lead on several research studies, including one studying gambling harm prevention among children and young people, and on a clinical trial evaluating AI-assisted fracture detection in NHS hospitals. Niks currently serves as a Trustee at New Citizens’ Gateway, a charity supporting refugees and asylum seekers.Ìý
Through these experiences, Niks developed a strong appreciation for the breadth and diversity of the UK research landscape and for how patient and public involvement can make research more relevant and impactful. He is pleased to bring that perspective to 51±¬ÁÏÍø’s Public Advisory Board and to learn from other public contributors and collaborators.Ìý
