Mehwaesh joined Universities UK in January 2025 as Head of Research Policy, where she leads on efforts to influence research and development (R&D) policy on behalf of UUK’s member universities across the country. Her work includes activities related to university research funding, long-term sustainability, research culture and improving research effectiveness and efficiency. With a background in policy development since 2015, Mehwaesh has previously held roles at the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC) and the Academy of Medical Sciences. She has a background in protein biochemistry research, completing her doctorate at Imperial College London.