BLOOM SPEAKERS
-
Dr Emma Evans is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Researcher specializing in pelvic pain and women’s health. Emma has over 20 years' experience of working as a clinical psychologist in the NHS and she has a longstanding interest in women's health. Both her clinical and research work focus on persistent pelvic pain, including endometriosis-associated pain and chronic primary pelvic pain. In her clinical role, she works for the NHS (Oxford University Hospitals NHS FT) as part of a gynaecology-based interdisciplinary team providing healthcare for women with persistent pelvic pain. She is linked with the Pain in Women and EndoCare research groups in the Nuffield Department of Women's and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford. Emma is an accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT), trained mindfulness (MBCT) teacher, and also draws on compassion focus therapy (CFT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in her clinical work. She is committed to improving healthcare for women and believes working in partnership with people with lived experience is key for this.
-
Dr Marti Balaam (PhD, MSc, PgCert Prof Ed, BA Hons, RGN, RNT, FHEA) is a healthcare educationalist, researcher, nurse and applied social scientist whose career spans more than 30 years across medical, nursing, health, and social care education. She is currently the Director of Professionalism within the undergraduate medical programme at the University of Edinburgh, a Senior Lecturer in Medical Education and Senior Lecturer in Nursing Studies and the co-lead for student experience in the Edinburgh Medical School 300-year project.
-
Kate is a consultant clinical scientist in microbiology & Director of the Scottish HPV Reference (NHS Lothian)
She is also lead for the HPV research group at the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of
Edinburgh and a professional clinical advisor to NHS England. She has been working in STIs and HPV for 25
years and has a long-standing interested in the development and evaluation of assays and biomarkers to support
the detection and risk-stratification of HPV infection in the context of anogenital and oropharyngeal disease
WOMEN'S HEALTH UNHEARD SPEAKERS
-
She is a scientist working at the Centre of Reproductive Health (University of Edinburgh), where she investigates the causes of heavy periods. In the lab, her aim is to develop new, non-hormonal treatments for heavy bleeding. To achieve this, she combines work with clinical samples and models of menstruation. She also collaborates with the patient and public engagement group Flow Right, which helps ensure her research is aligned with the needs of those who experience this debilitating symptom.
-
Bettina Bildhauer is a menstrual researcher and activist, and a Professor of Modern Languages at the University St Andrews. I’m particularly interested in how menstrual stigma worked in the Middle Ages, and why it persists to this day. I’ve researched and campaigned for the Scottish Period Products Act.
-
Emma Barnett is an award winning broadcaster and journalist. Named Interviewer of the Year at the British Journalism awards and twice speech radio presenter by the Radio Academy, she presents BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today Programme and hosts TV interviews and documentaries across the BBC. Her new BBC podcast has just launched: Ready to Talk with Emma Barnett - in which she interviews someone about a major moment in their lives and what they learned. Bold questions, unexpected truths and lots of tea are very involved. Previously she was the chief presenter of Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4, and has presented Newsnight, as well as her eponymous BBC Radio 5 Live’s mid-morning weekday programme.
-
Professor Andrew Horne is a Scottish clinical academic gynaecologist and Director
of the Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh, where he holds
a Personal Chair in Gynaecology and Reproductive Sciences. His clinical and
research career focuses on improving the diagnosis and treatment of women’s
health problems, particularly endometriosis. Professor Horne co-founded EXPPECT
Edinburgh, a multidisciplinary hub that brings together clinicians, scientists, patients
and industry partners to develop evidence‑based interventions for endometriosis. He
serves in multiple national and international leadership roles, including President of
the World Endometriosis Society, Trustee of Endometriosis UK, and Specialty
Advisor for Obstetrics and Gynaecology to the Chief Medical Officer for Scotland. He
co-authored the popular book “Endometriosis: The Experts’ Guide to Treat, Manage
and Live Well with Your Symptoms”.
-
Professor Hilary Critchley is Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Edinburgh. Her commitment to addressing problems of menstrual bleeding embraces not only how research can enhance our understanding and care, but also how we “tackle the taboo” around menstruation. Her research team over 30 years has focused on improving the understanding of the complex basic science of the womb lining (uterine endometrium) and the clinical management of gynaecological complaints with major impacts on women’s quality of life, including heavy menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroids. She is the current Chair of the Wellbeing of Women Research Advisory Committee, and a Past Chair of the FIGO Committee for Menstrual Disorders and Related Health Impacts. Hilary is committed to seeing research in reproductive health maintain a critical mass, so it achieves a prominent position in the national/ global health funding arena.
MIND HEALTH SPEAKERS
-
She is a true embodiment of versatility and authentic living, with a deep passion for global culture. After an accomplished 18-year corporate career across complex sectors—including law, telecommunications, education, and financial crime prevention—she transitioned into her role as a JOY Coach.
By swapping traditional playbooks for unconventional leadership insights, her unique background enables her to connect with individuals from diverse walks of life. She empowers others to embrace self-acceptance and cultivate unwavering confidence, supporting them in choosing joy—even on the more challenging days.
Participants can experience this firsthand as she guides them in discovering their ‘S-Factor Balance’, navigating the intersection of stress, success, and smiles.