Katika Akksilp

Researcher, Institute of Medical Research and Technology Assessment, Thailand

Unit Head, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program, Thailand

PhD Class of 2024

Before starting my PhD at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health (SSHSPH), I was working in health promotion and policy evaluation at Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. My work involved assessing national health promotion programmes, but I often encountered complex questions about how to design, evaluate, and scale interventions effectively in real-world settings. I wanted a stronger methodological foundation and exposure to global perspectives; this drew me to the PhD at SSHSPH.

I chose NUS for its location in the heart of ASEAN, its strong reputation in health promotion and programme evaluation, and its active network of regional collaborators. The School’s emphasis on applied research and policy relevance aligned perfectly with my goal of producing evidence that directly informs decision-making.

My doctoral research focused on developing and applying frameworks to evaluate complex physical activity promotion interventions in workplace settings. This involved conducting both outcome and process evaluations, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods, and translating findings into practical policy recommendations. I collaborated with Thai and international partners, ensuring that the work addressed both local priorities and global knowledge gaps.

Through the PhD, I learned how to navigate the challenges of evaluating multi-component interventions, how to engage stakeholders meaningfully, and how to communicate evidence for maximum policy impact. The experience also deepened my commitment to bridging research and implementation, turning data into actionable strategies.

Today, I am working as a researcher at IMRTA and HITAP, guiding research on health promotion, digital health innovations, and AI in healthcare. The skills, networks, and perspectives I gained at SSHSPH continue to shape my work, enabling me to design and evaluate programmes that improve population health in Thailand and contribute to global health evidence and practice.