Assist. Prof. Dr. Sophie Sarrassat | Data Science | Best Researcher Award
Assist. Prof. Dr. Sophie Sarrassat, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom
Dr. Sophie Sarrassat is an Assistant Professor in Public Health and Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), United Kingdom. With a PhD in Public Health from Pierre & Marie Curie University, she specializes in the evaluation of public health interventions, particularly in maternal, neonatal, and child health across West Africa. Her expertise spans mixed-methods research, randomized controlled trials, and global health. Alongside her academic career, she is a qualified integrative counsellor and psychotherapist (MA, BACP registered), offering mental health support in both English and French. Dr. Sarrassat is actively building bridges between global public health and mental health research.
Profile
Summary:
Dr. Sophie Sarrassat is a highly qualified and impactful public health researcher with a strong portfolio of interdisciplinary work in global health and mental health. Her research demonstrates scientific rigor, innovation, and real-world impact. She is well-positioned at an internationally respected institution and maintains a robust publication and teaching profile. Her ability to integrate epidemiology, psychology, and cultural sensitivity makes her research both technically sound and human-centered.
🎓 Education
Sophie Sarrassat holds an impressive array of postgraduate degrees that span both health sciences and psychology. She earned her PhD in Public Health & Epidemiology from Pierre & Marie Curie University in France, along with an MSc in the same field. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy and a Master of Arts in Applied Psychology Research from the University of East London. Additionally, she has undertaken advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, completing both Level 1 and Level 2 certifications through the IFS Institute. Her foundational studies include a postgraduate diploma in Pharmacy from Rouen University and certificates in counselling skills from LC & CTA in London. Sophie also completed a Kundalini Yoga Level 1 Teacher Training program, highlighting her holistic and integrative approach to health and wellness.
💼Experience
Sophie brings over two decades of combined professional experience in public health research and psychotherapy. Since 2011, she has served as an Assistant Professor in Public Health and Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), where she contributes to teaching and supervises MSc students in epidemiology. From 2010 to 2011, she held a research fellow position at Heidelberg University in Germany. Parallel to her academic career, she trained and worked as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist, beginning as a trainee at The Awareness Centre in London and becoming a registered BACP member in 2021. She currently offers psychotherapy sessions both online and in person, in English and French.
🔬Research Focus
Sophie’s research has primarily focused on the evaluation of public health interventions in maternal, neonatal, and child health across West African countries. Her work includes large-scale, randomized controlled trials and mixed-methods studies funded by leading global health organizations. Key projects include interventions on antenatal corticosteroids, malaria reduction, HIV prevention campaigns, and child survival strategies through mass media and health system strengthening. These studies have informed global health policy and practice, with her findings published in high-impact peer-reviewed journals. More recently, she is expanding her focus into Global Mental Health, combining her dual expertise in epidemiology and psychotherapy.
🛠️Skills
Sophie has developed a diverse skill set in both public health research and psychotherapeutic practice. In research, she is adept in designing mixed-methods surveys, creating quantitative and qualitative data collection tools, training interviewers, and conducting advanced data analysis using STATA. She also has experience with interpretative phenomenological analysis and scientific reporting. In psychotherapy, she applies an integrative, trauma-informed and collaborative approach, blending Internal Family Systems therapy, humanistic modalities, attachment theories, neuroscience-informed methods, and creative techniques such as drawing. Her practice is inclusive, culturally sensitive, and open-ended or time-limited based on client needs.
🏆Awards
Sophie’s work has been supported by esteemed institutions such as the Wellcome Trust, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and UNITAID. While formal individual awards are not listed, her consistent involvement in large-scale, high-impact international research trials and her academic role at LSHTM reflect strong recognition of her contributions to public health and applied psychology.
📚 Publications
Title: The World Health Organization Antenatal CorTicosteroids for Improving Outcomes in preterm Newborns (ACTION-III) Trial
Author(s): WHO ACTION Trials Collaborators
Year: 2024
Journal: Trials
Title: Evaluating the Intensity of Exposure to MTV Shuga, an Edutainment Program for HIV Prevention: Cross-Sectional Study in Eastern Cape, South Africa
Author(s): Babalola, S., Shiferaw, S., Mkhize, N., Sarrassat, S., Farahani, M., Wouters, E.
Year: 2024
Journal: JMIR Formative Research
Dr. Sarrassat exemplifies the qualities of a top-tier researcher through her evidence-based approach, leadership in global health interventions, and dedication to mentorship and equity. With modest increases in visibility and leadership in mental health research, her profile will only grow stronger. Her interdisciplinary work aligns well with current global health priorities and deserves recognition through this prestigious award.