Steven Parks

Background

About Steven Parks

At Diabetes UK, I work as Research Manager, focusing on making diabetes research impactful and meaningful for the people it’s meant to serve. My journey started with a PhD in cell biology from Imperial College London, where I spent years studying the complexities of metabolic health, using tools like advanced microscopy and bioinformatics to better understand the mechanisms underlying type 2 diabetes and how we might design novel treatments to target these pathways.Now, my work is about connecting dots—between researchers, healthcare professionals and those living with diabetes. I specialise in navigating complex projects with multiple stakeholders, ensuring their insights are at the heart of research strategy. These insights then facilitate partnerships with pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors to ensure the translation of these priorities into actionable outcomes. These experiences have given me a strong foundation in stakeholder management, problem-solving, and translating technical details into actionable plans.Whether it’s diving into the details of functional genomics, designing frameworks to prioritise research, or facilitating discussions that balance scientific innovation with real-world needs, I thrive on solving challenges and bringing clarity to complex situations. My ultimate aim? To bridge the gap between ground-breaking research and the lives it’s meant to improve—whether in the non-profit sector, healthcare, or private sector.