Since 2001, we have been on a quest for deeper insights through the identification and application of the most innovative market research techniques, tools, and methodologies, to better equip us to answer our clients’ business questions.
But how do you decide what kind of market research you need to truly unearth fresh insight for your objectives? How can you anticipate your blind spots? And in a world of glittering new promises, how can you tell a gimmick from a meaningful evolution in research techniques?
As HRW’s dedicated Innovation Team, we apply our innovative thinking to determine, evaluate, and validate the most powerful, visionary, and cutting-edge market research solutions for our clients’ needs. We achieve this through committed investment and self-funded studies, and continuous assessment and scoping of the ever-changing market research landscape- in healthcare and beyond.
Making research more realistic by using different approaches to mimic real-life environments.
We’ve run a self-funded study looking comparatively at different stimulus formats such as virtual reality and augmented reality vs the traditional and how they impact responses and engagement. We have also been pioneers in the healthcare market research industry in using the metaverse as a research tool.
Measuring unspoken reactions or more implicit/beneath the surface insights.
We apply techniques like our ‘fast association test’ that removes the opportunity for respondents to over-rationalise their thoughts. Or we use neuro-metric approaches that can help access subconscious ‘gut reactions’.
Capturing real-life behaviour and social dimensions.
We’ll explore the value of innovative technologies or platforms such as passive sensors, wearable technologies, social media tracing, or more in-the-moment approaches for gathering data.
Leveraging peer perspectives.
We’ve pioneered ways of encompassing the ecosystem and removing moderator bias through creative social interview formats. These help you go deeper into experiences and uncover ‘unknown unknowns’ not available through a more traditional approach.
Katy Irving
Jess Woodhead
Darren Vircavs
Fatima Dos Santos
Lucy Saunders (nee Wates)
John Friberg
Nicola Vyas
Rory Mitchell
As a founding member of our in-house team of behavioural change experts, HRW Shift, Katy is passionate about pulling validated frameworks from different disciplines to deliver reliable, scientifically-sound, strategic insight for our clients. From her specialism in applied Behavioural Economics to digital technology, she pursues the best ways to really ‘access reality’ through collaboration, reading, and attending and presenting at conferences; winning several Best of Business Intelligence (BOBI), EphMRA, and Intellus Worldwide awards in the process. When not in our lovely London office or supporting our Marketing and Innovation Teams, she enjoys distance running (six marathons and counting), learning Spanish, and travelling to wine regions with her oenophile husband.
Jess joined HRW in 2012 after completing her degree in Biomedical Sciences with a specialism in Reproductive Biology. Entering the world of healthcare market research has allowed her to combine her interest in understanding people and what they do; and her desire for learning new things everyday. She loves to work in a variety of therapy areas and is particularly interested in dermatology, women's health, vaccines and device testing. She really enjoys seeking innovative methodologies and tools to explore the "whys" behind the "what", and unearthing strategic direction to answer her client's business objectives. Outside of work Jess spends her time day dreaming and planning her next travel adventure, singing in a local choir, and researching new restaurants to try and musicals to see in London.
Darren joined Healthcare Research Worldwide in August 2016, after completing a BA degree in Media Culture and Production at Southampton University. With a particularly keen interest in digital media and innovation, Darren is a keen ambassador for trying out new technologies and applications, especially when those are combined with a particularly hard-to-reach respondents or complex methodologies. Being part of the Field Team, Darren thrives on building productive relationships with our suppliers and delivering high quality fieldwork on logistically challenging projects. Outside of work, Darren enjoys kayaking and camping at music festivals. More recently he has expressed a love for cooking.
With a degree in Tourism Administration and a master’s degree in Corporate Communications and Protocol, Fatima landed in Market Research in 2013 when she moved to London. Her excellent project management skills, open minded and positive attitude has led her way within field and operations. She loves the challenges and is always ready for more. She joined HRW in July 2020 bringing her expertise and network in patient recruitment. Outside of work, she loves spending time dancing with her little girl, long walks in the park admiring the nature and feeding birds and squirrels, cooking and wine tasting!
Lucy has an academic background in Biology and clinical Nutrition. She has always been curious and fascinated by different health conditions, so healthcare market research is an excellent opportunity to learn about different therapy areas, whilst applying her healthcare knowledge. With over 6 years’ experience in the industry, she is known for her meticulousness and high attention to detail. Lucy is passionate about optimal client service and this forms a central part of her role. Outside of work, Lucy enjoys learning new things (such as cooking or learning new languages), and is a devoted patient advocate for migraine sufferers.
John joined HRW in 2016 and is currently based in NYC after spending time in both UK HRW offices. His career in healthcare research began with an academic post at Rutgers’ Centre for State Health Policy researching the implications of city planning on children's health and dynamics of critical care facility use by New Jersey's Hispanic and Latino population. Upon graduating with a degree in Economics from Oberlin College in 2010, John moved into the healthcare market research world where he has been active since. He strongly believes that any objective can be met with an appropriate and well-crafted research design- an ethos he has honed through his work with the HRW Innovation Team. John also loves to make and consume art and values the network of relationships that this can afford with people from all walks of life.
Nicola is a quantitative expert who specialises in advanced analytics at HRW; she loves to get beneath the surface of data to deliver real insight to our clients and is deeply immersed in the development of new methodologies that better explain and measure human behaviour. Further areas of specialism include device testing, patient research and patient adherence. In particular, Nicola believes strongly in the value of integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches. Outside of work Nicola likes to relax in a yoga class and is a qualified yoga teacher.
Rory has a scientific background, from studying Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter. Following graduation, he moved to Brighton to work for Mindlab, a quantitative market research agency that specialises in understanding the unconscious drivers behind consumer behaviour. Rory has now started at HRW London as a Research Executive and hopes to bring his scientific perspective and interest in understanding human behaviour to the role. Outside of work, Rory writes and plays songs, as well as playing guitar in an instrumental rock band.
Blogs, News, and Insights
Episode 36: Tackling Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) with Behavioural Science
In the second segment of HRW Shift’s podcast, ‘Antibiotic Resistance Communications’, Jeremy Koloski, Behavioural ...
Episode 35: Antibiotic Resistance Communications
HCPs can sometimes lack confidence in their ability to diagnose, and prescribe antibiotics as a ‘safe’ option, howev...
Episode 34: Self Nudging
Have you been sticking to your New Year’s resolutions? Many of us would’ve set goals at the start of the year to ...
Episode 31, Part 3: Language and Suicide Ideation
In the final segment of our 3-part podcast series, Saket Rao, Behavioural Scientist, shares findings from his master’s...
Episode 33: Agony Aunt
Ever wonder why people make certain decisions? Still getting to grips with how Behavioural science can impact your busin...
Responsible AI: Harnessing Power, Promoting Safety
With the numerous benefits that come with AI in terms of saving time and creativity, there are pitfalls such as hallucin...
Leveraging AI to Enhance Market Research
With numerous AI platforms emerging each day claiming to take your research insights to the next level, it can be unclea...
Demystifying AI: From Fundamentals to Impact
The world of AI is a rapidly evolving space, and it often feels hard to keep up with the pace at which it is developing....
Behavioural Science FAQs
Do you wonder why people make certain decisions? Still getting to grips with how behavioural science can impact your bus...
Bridging the Gap Between Patients and HCPs with Behavioural Science
In the sixth session of our 3rd Annual Celebration of Behavioural Science webinar series, Jeremy Koloski, Senior Behavi...
Between the Lines: A Thematic and Linguistic Analysis on Cognitive Impairments Associated with Bipolar Disorder
Cognitive impairment associated with bipolar disorder exerts a profound and far-reaching impact. To explore the intricat...
HRW’s use of the Metaverse platform in HCP and Patient Market Research
There has been a lot of talks about the Metaverse and its applications in healthcare. Areas such as remote monitoring, s...
Politics, Prevention and Pride: Evolution of the Vaccines Discourse on Twitter Over the Pandemic
Earlier this year, Katy Irving, Global Head of Behavioural Science, and Lucy Saunders, Director, and key members of HRW ...
Increasing Condom Use and STI Testing: Creating a Behaviourally Informed Sexual Healthcare Campaign
Getting people to engage in preventative sexual health behaviours (condom use, STI testing) is always a challenge. Last ...
Masterclass Menu
At HRW, we welcome the opportunity to share our industry leading ideas, approaches, and example of their real-life appli...
Precision Medicine: European Academy of Neuroscience Congress
Earlier this year, I attended the European Academy of Neuroscience Congress. Over the five-day event, I noticed many dis...
Random Acts of Medicine: Book Review
Random Acts of Medicine, written by physician and policy researcher Christopher Worsham and physician-economist Anupam (...
Mentoring at Google, Behave London Ideation Workshop: A Day in the Life of a Behavioural Scientist
As one of the leading healthcare market research agencies, we’ve been given several opportunities to speak at key even...
A Year at HRW: HRW Graduate Academy
At HRW, we are particularly proud of the people who join us as graduates and stay with us as their career grows. As part...
AI Fundamentals
As we all know, AI has become a buzzword over the past year or so. Despite its omnipresence, you may still feel unclear ...
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