Amelia Hodgson

Amelia brings extensive experience at the intersection of academic research and real-world application, with 16 years spent supporting people to turn promising ideas into meaningful impact. At EI, she helps shape the practicalities of getting things done while keeping purpose and people at the centre. Before joining EI, she coordinated MSc research placements at the University of Edinburgh and completed a degree in psychology, deepening her interest in both people and statistics. She is especially drawn to projects that combine pragmatism with humanity, and her thoughtful, reflective approach to problem-solving defines the way she supports innovation.

How would you explain your job to an alien? 

I support people to get their brilliant ideas out into the world. On most days, this looks like figuring out the what/when/how of getting things done, without forgetting the most important elements: why and who. On very bad days this looks like acting like a filing cabinet and forgetting to be human. 

What did you do before EI?

I’ve been working in university contexts for 16 years, largely at the interface between academic research and its application in the wider world. Before EI, I sourced and coordinated research placements for MSc students at UoE. I got to work with hundreds of incredible organisations all over the world and support dedicated students as they undertook meaningful real-world research. In parallel I completed a degree in psychology. It deepened my fascination with people, and (much to my surprise) I discovered a love of stats along the way. 

What’s the best thing about working here?

The people. At both EI and the University. There is so much brilliance, creativity, and (most important of all) kindness here. 

What's your favourite project that you’ve worked on? What did it accomplish?

The project that springs to mind applies cognitive psychology techniques to an organ donation context. The project developed enhanced training for medical teams who use novel technologies for organ retrieval. These novel technologies have huge potential to increase the number of viable donor organs, but expertise on how to use the technology effectively is limited. Given that multiple lives depend on the actions of just one organ retrieval team in one instance of organ retrieval, effective training is essential and has a huge impact. I love how the project recognises that technology alone is not enough – that how the tech is adopted is crucial. It is deeply pragmatic and deeply human.

What does innovation mean to you?  

Implementing a creative solution to address a problem. Although, I have a particular soft spot for innovations that head upstream to the cause of a problem. Rather than fixing a problem, the focus is on preventing a problem from occurring or from becoming worse. It’s a tough route – often causes are complex, success is less tangible, and impacts emerge after many years - so I have a huge amount of respect for anybody who takes this approach. 

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you?  

You can always ask. It is simple, but I genuinely did not know this, and it opens up so many possibilities. I also get a surprising amount from the concept of ‘pang-wangling’ – which means to go along cheerfully and keep your chin up despite minor misfortunes, difficulties, or adversity. 

If you had one more hour in the day how would you spend it? 

I would aspire to spend it meditating but would inevitably end up strolling around a forest instead.

Do you ever imagine yourself in another occupation? If so, which one and why?  

Self-sufficient forest dweller is my honest answer. 

What might people be surprised to learn about you? 

Having been at EI for 7 years, everything I can think of is either unsurprising or is so surprising that it is inappropriate for this forum!

What would you really like to work on at EI/UoE?

I would love to work on a project based on sleep, food, or nature. 

What is your typical approach to problem-solving? 

Write the problem down, note down initial thoughts, then get away from your desk and go for a walk. 

What is your most effective strategy for dealing with stress and unwinding?

Morning workouts that include dancing with free abandon. Think 'Rainbow Rhythms'. Then turn it up a notch.