Professor Sara Demain appointed new Head of School of Health Sciences

Professor Sara Demain has been appointed as the new Head of the School of Health Sciences at the University of Southampton following an extensive search.

Professor Demain, who is currently Head of School of Health Professions in the Faculty of Health at the University of Plymouth where she has worked since 2018, will take up her post at Southampton from 1 May 2021.

Professor Demain specialises in neurological rehabilitation and physiotherapy, exploring the broad spectrum of rehabilitation and self-management, including how health services and professionals make patients and their families feel, and also how technology such as apps, games and robots used in patient rehabilitation can be improved for better user experiences and patient outcomes.

From 2001-2018, she worked in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Southampton carrying out a wide range of roles including Head of Division and Faculty Director of Graduate School, whilst delivering across the range of research and education in her specialist field.

“The combination of leadership skills acquired through my equivalent role in Plymouth, combined with my detailed understanding of Health Sciences in Southampton will enable me to provide both continuity and stability and to expand the vision and further enhance the reputation of this world leading School," sais Professor Demain. "I am really looking forward to working with and supporting all the staff and students in the School, whatever clinical or professional area, to deliver quality healthcare education and research that we are all proud of.”

Professor Rachel Mills, Dean of Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences says: “We look forward to welcoming Professor Demain back to Southampton and to the Faculty leadership team. We would also like to thank interim Head of School, Dr Jane Prichard for her leadership of the School of Health Sciences for the next few months.”