Imelda Bates is a clinical haematologist and Head of the Centre for Capacity Research at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). The Centre for Capacity Research is a global leader in research on research systems and promotes evidence-informed practice in capacity strengthening with a focus on improving institutional systems, environments and cultures that support research. Imelda is committed to collaborative working by creating trusting and fruitful partnerships, and to mentoring and supporting colleagues and students at all career stages. She has authored many peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and contributed to international working groups including for neglected tropical diseases and anaemia. She has also chaired LSTM’s Research Integrity and Governance Committee and the British Society for Haematology's Global Haematology Special Interest Group.

Imelda’s main research interests are evidence-informed approaches to designing, implementing and evaluating capacity strengthening interventions, and public health aspects of anaemia (including sickle cell disease) and blood transfusion with a focus on implementation research.

Imelda leads courses and contributes to LSTM’s teaching portfolio through face-to-face and online approaches covering clinical and laboratory aspects of haematology and blood transfusion, and capacity strengthening in different contexts.