Divya Chadha Manek is the Head of Business Development (Commercial) for the NIHR Clinical Research Network (CRN). Divya’s role is to maintain strategic relationships with Global and UK life sciences companies. Divya facilitates key discussions between life sciences industry and the Clinical Research Network. Divya provides advice and works collaboratively with companies on how they are able to tap into the Clinical Research Network services to ensure clinical studies are set up quickly and effi ciently so that they recruit to time and target. Divya also leads on ensuring that the Clinical Research Network is abreast of new study delivery innovations to ensure that the organisation is evolving to service life sciences industry requirements.

With a degree in Clinical Psychology and a Masters in Clinical Research, Divya has worked with the Clinical Research Network for the past nine years. Divya’s fi rst role with the CRN was delivering commercial contract clinical research within a National Health Service hospital. Prior to her current role, Divya worked as the Industry Manager within the Mental Health team, performance managing and maintaining oversight of the national mental health portfolio of studies. Thus, Divya has experience of clinical research from a site level and from a national perspective in the UK. Divya is also currently studying for a PhD in Dementia Care from the University of Birmingham.