New Fellow joins Downing College
On Friday 17 July, Downing College welcomed Professor Mary Dixon-Woods to its Fellowship at a ceremony held in the Grace Howard Room.
Professor Dixon-Woods is the Director of The Healthcare Improvement Studies Institute (THIS Institute) and the Health Foundation Professor of Healthcare Improvement Studies in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Public Health.
Her research focuses on the organisation, quality and safety of healthcare, especially how health systems can improve care in practice.
Characteristically using mixed-methods approaches combined with policy, practice and patient engagement, she seeks to generate evidence for more effective, equitable, and safe care.
Her main areas of interest include patient safety, healthcare improvement, design and evaluation of complex interventions and innovations, professional and organisational behaviour, regulation and governance, and the responsible use of digital and AI-enabled technologies in health services.
She also has a special interest in methodological innovation in the study of healthcare improvement and innovation.
Professor Dixon-Woods said: “I am delighted to be joining Downing College as a Fellow. It is a great privilege to become part of such an exceptional scholarly community in such a beautiful setting. I am greatly looking forward to contributing actively to College life, helping to foster the intellectual vitality, generosity and sense of belonging that makes Downing so special.”
Published 28 July 2026