News

Talking with: Olayemi Amusile

UK LLC Communications Team

25th Jul 2025

Earlier this week we checked in with Olayemi to find out how she’s been getting on since joining us in June and what her experience at UK LLC has involved.

This is the second year that we have taken up the opportunity to engage with the Health Data Science Black Internship Programme, set up to tackle underrepresentation of Black people within the health data science sector.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us how you came to spend a summer internship with the UK LLC team?

My name is Olayemi Amusile, and I’m currently pursuing a Master’s in Digital Health at the University of Bristol. I come from a Pharmacy background and have a strong interest in strengthening health systems through the ethical use of data and research for public good.

What particularly attracted me to the UK Longitudinal Linkage Collaboration (UK LLC) is its unique role in connecting rich longitudinal datasets like ALSPAC, BCS70, and NICOLA within a Trusted Research Environment. I was fascinated by how UK LLC curates and governs this data, especially its commitment to transparency, public involvement and the use of the Five Safes framework to ensure data is used responsibly.

This internship felt like the perfect opportunity to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting, deepen my understanding of data governance, and how longitudinal population data can enable research activities that promotes and improve health outcomes and policies.

What sort of work have you been doing and does it match up with what you were expecting?

This experience at UK LLC has gone beyond my expectations. Not only have I grown technically, but I have also learned a lot about professional culture and workplace ethics from the amazing team at UK LLC. Their guidance continues to shape how I work and reflect on the wider impact of data-driven research.

So far, I have been developing indicators to track participation in Longitudinal Population Studies (LPS), using Python, and SQL to analyse temporal coverage across datasets. This includes identifying gaps based on age, data collection periods as well as highlighting patterns in engagement over time using deidentified data. I also map interaction behaviour across the LPS, using metadata to support dataset navigation and consistency.

Additionally, I have been learning about impact tracking as part of UK LLC’s efforts to monitor and communicate the public value of research. I produced a Standard Operating Procedure based on my analysis, outlining workflows that support secure reporting within the UK LLC Trusted Research Environment. I regularly attend cross-team meetings with staff and researchers, which has enhanced my understanding of working collaboratively in teams.

My tasks are guided by ISO 27001 and the Digital Economy Act 2017. I have also received training in blog writing and social media communication to share research findings in formats that are both engaging and accessible.

What will you take away from this experience, would you recommend the Health Data Science Black Internship Programme to others?

This experience has been truly wholesome. I will recommend for everyone willing to develop their technical skills as it related to research and data analysis.

The team at UK LLC is incredibly supportive and inspiring, with a strong culture of collaboration and shared purpose. From my interview onward, I was struck by how closely the work connects with policymaking, and I’ve continued to learn from the incredible people here.

I have completed several trainings, including the Office for National Statistics Safe Researcher training on statistical disclosure control and ethical data handling, Cybersecurity training, and Medical Research Council modules on Research, GDPR and Confidentiality. I’ve also gained valuable hands-on experience with large datasets and deepened my understanding of the unique approaches and histories of various longitudinal studies.

Scrum meetings have helped me improve my Agile skills, giving me space to reflect on weekly tasks and share progress. My line manager, Rachel Calkin, has been especially supportive, offering regular guidance and career advice in our weekly check-ins. I’ve had meaningful conversations with leadership, including Director Andy Boyd, whose encouragement to find a niche and excel was particularly motivating.

I also attended a creative Patient Public Involvement and Engagement presentation led by Lidis Garbovan, where participants used art to communicate their input in a focus group, an inspiring demonstration of inclusive research practice. Working with the UK LLC Guidebook has helped me understand UK LLC’s role in federated data environments, especially how it supports safe, ethical access to linked datasets. The team work here is great, each team member is always willing to assist to get tasks done. Such a brilliant work culture.

Where might we see you in 10 years, what will you be doing?

Over the next ten years, I hope to lead work that strengthens health data systems and drives digital health governance across Africa, starting with Nigeria.

With experience from Trusted Research Environments and longitudinal data projects, my goal is to build ethical, scalable frameworks that use health data to improve care and save lives.

My focus will be on creating digital health solutions for key public health issues including maternal and child health, medication safety, and non-communicable diseases. These tools will be designed to meet local needs and expand access to quality care.

Improving the way medicine is tracked and delivered is also a priority. I want to tackle the rise of counterfeit medicines and promote safe, effective treatments by building better pharmaceutical data systems and digital infrastructure.

Outside of technology, I plan to mentor young researchers, support fair data practices, and help shape policies that give communities a voice in health decisions. The practical knowledge I’ve gained so far has prepared me to take this work forward and create real impact.

What words of advice would you share with young people interested in a data science career?

Data science has incredible potential to improve lives, especially in healthcare. It helps us make sense of patient data, identify gaps in access to care, and uncover insights that shape better health policies and decisions. From tracking disease trends to understanding the impact of social and economic factors, the work you do in data science can truly make a difference.

If you’re passionate about helping people live healthier lives, this is a great time to get started. You don’t need to have everything figured out, just begin with what you know, stay curious, and keep learning. The more you grow, the more impact you can make.

And the best part? The journey becomes even more rewarding as you go.

What’s next for you?

I am focused on opportunities at the intersection of digital health, AI, and data especially roles involving research and data analysis in LPS.

I am also keen to support the design, evaluation, and implementation of digital health innovations that improve care delivery and data use across healthcare systems.

While I continue gaining hands-on experience, I am actively considering a PhD to deepen my expertise and contribute to impactful health research on a broader scale.

Find out more: Health Data Science Black Internship Programme – HDR UK