Dr Mubarak Patel PhD

PhD in Engineering, University of Exeter, 2023
MSc in Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, 2016
BSc in Exercise and Sport Science, University of Exeter, 2015

Dr Mubarak Patel is a research fellow within the Birmingham Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science, having joined the team in 2025. Prior to this, he spent over a decade studying and working at the University of Exeter, where he gained wide-ranging experience across diverse research contexts, whilst working with elite athletes, the Royal Marines, older adults and also patient groups (Parkinson’s disease and stroke to name a few). His early career provided a strong foundation in primary research, where he was involved in all stages of the research process, including study design, gaining ethical approval, participant recruitment, data collection, data and statistical analysis and dissemination.

Mubarak was awarded his PhD in 2023, where his research focused on the use of wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs) to continuously monitor and assess fall risk factors in older adults. His doctoral research was multidisciplinary, spanning Engineering, the Medical School and Sport and Health Sciences. His systematic scoping review, conducted as part of his PhD, has been published and reflects his commitment to rigorous and transparent methods in evidence synthesis.

Since completing his PhD, Mubarak has developed specialist expertise in systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, and evidence synthesis. His current work centres on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), specifically preparing evidence assessment reports for the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE). As a core member of a multidisciplinary Evidence Assessment Group (EAG), Mubarak contributes to the appraisal of health technologies by critically reviewing clinical evidence and co-authoring NICE technology appraisal documents. This work directly informs decision-making that immediately affects patients across the NHS.

Mubarak is particularly passionate about HTAs and evidence synthesis, drawn to their ability to shape clinical practice and health policy. His transition from primary research to evidence synthesis has been underpinned by a desire to drive meaningful change at scale. While he previously focused on generating original data, he now applies his methodological expertise to evaluate and integrate existing evidence to inform national level decision.

With experience spanning both primary and secondary research, Mubarak brings a well-rounded and highly analytical perspective to his work. He continues to develop his skills in critical appraisal, health policy, and collaborative interdisciplinary research, while working closely with colleagues across clinical, academic and health economics disciplines. Through his current role, he remains committed to producing high-quality, timely and impactful research that supports evidence-informed decision-making within healthcare.

Mubarak welcomes enquiries from prospective PhD students interested in but not limited to:

• Systematic reviews and evidence synthesis methodologies
• Patient-centred research in chronic disease (e.g. osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, Parkinson’s disease etc)
• Health inequities, inequalities and inclusive approaches to research design
• Biomechanics and functional movement analysis
• Health technology assessment and healthcare decision-making

Mubarak is particularly interested in supporting PhD students who are passionate about applying research to address real-world health challenges, inform policy, and improve equity in health outcomes. Projects with multidisciplinary elements or strong public and patient involvement are especially welcomed.

Mubarak is part of the Technology Appraisal Review (TAR) group at the Centre for Evidence and Implementation Science (CEIS), which is home to the NIHR West Midlands Technology Appraisal Review Team and the NIHR Evidence Synthesis Group.

Mubarak is open to collaboration on new research projects, including those involving primary research data collection, particularly where they align with improving patient outcomes and healthcare delivery for all.