Dr Helena Last

Helena Last is the InPath Relationship Manager in The Knowledge Exchange Team at Leeds Beckett University, where she acts as a connector between health innovation and digital technology businesses, academic expertise, and the wider West Yorkshire innovation ecosystem. She leads engagement with SMEs across the region, helping them navigate the innovation pathway and access the research, evidence, and specialist support needed to bring new products and services to market.

Alongside her work on InPath, Helena leads Leeds Beckett’s Sport and Healthy Communities research theme—championing interdisciplinary research that supports physical activity, prevention, healthy ageing, and community wellbeing.

With a background in biomedical research and extensive experience driving innovation within the NHS and wider health and social care settings, Helena is passionate about translating academic expertise and mobilising evidence into real-world contexts. Her work focuses on enabling businesses and system partners to test, evaluate, and implement solutions that genuinely meet local needs and improve health outcomes.

Helena takes a collaborative, whole-system approach, building partnerships across universities, local and regional authorities, NHS organisations, and industry. She is committed to ensuring that innovation is inclusive, evidence-driven, and rooted in improving the health and wellbeing of communities across West Yorkshire.