In the next of our EMCR Spotlight posts, we hear from Dr Amber Tahir (Health Promotion Foundation, EMPOWER-D project).
Tell us about yourself!
Hello! I’m Dr Amber Tahir, a Research Specialist & Behaviour Consultant at the Health Promotion Foundation (HPF), where I work on the EMPOWER-D project as part of the Centre for IMPACT.
How did you end up in this field? Was there a specific moment or interest that led you to the Centre?
My journey into this field began with a background in psychiatry, where I saw firsthand that managing chronic conditions goes far beyond medical treatment. People’s behaviours, mental wellbeing, and the support they receive from their communities all play a vital role in their health. This inspired me to move into public health research, where I could help design and evaluate community-based approaches that make a lasting difference.
What does a typical day look like for you?
One of the things I enjoy most about my role is that no two days are the same. Some days I’m working closely with field teams and communities, supporting assessments or facilitating discussions. Other days are spent analysing qualitative data, contributing to research papers, or collaborating with colleagues to move different aspects of the project forward.
What has been your favorite moment or biggest “win” within the project so far?
One of my proudest moments in EMPOWER-D has been leading the qualitative adaptation work and community assessments in Karachi. It has been especially rewarding to see community members actively participate in Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) meetings and co-design workshops, sharing their experiences and helping shape an intervention that reflects their needs and priorities. Watching those conversations evolve into meaningful ideas for improving diabetes prevention and care has been incredibly inspiring.
What are you most excited about working on in the coming year?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to deepen our understanding of how communities sustain behaviour change over time and how community-led interventions can create lasting improvements in diabetes prevention and management. I’m hopeful that the lessons from EMPOWER-D will help inform future programmes across similar settings.
What do you do to switch off when you aren’t doing research?
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my kids, baking, or going for a walk. These simple moments help me recharge and remind me of the importance of balance—something that’s just as valuable in research as it is in everyday life.
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