Simran Purewal holds an MSc in Comparative Social Policy from the University of Oxford, and a BA in Health Sciences from Simon Fraser University. She currently works as a Research Centres and Institutes Manager at SOAS University of London, as well as a Policy and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist with the OH-Hi Science Co-Lab.

She previously worked as a Research and Engagement Associate at the Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society. In this role, she conducted community engaged research with priority populations to understand the health and social inequities arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to this, she conducted community engaged research to understand barriers in the medical licensing process for internationally trained doctors. Simran has published several peer reviewed articles, governmental reports, and lay language articles with outlets such as The Conversation.

Simran’s research interests include the social determinants of health, pandemic preparedness and response, and food security. Outside of the workplace, Simran enjoys travelling and cooking.