NEWS: Brit-PACT Committee Elections 2026

CONSULANT NOMINATIONS – Two places available

RE-ELECTION FOR SECOND TERM: James Bluett, Senior Clinical Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Rheumatologist

I am seeking re-election for a second term as a Trustee and Steering Committee member of Brit-PACT. Over my first term, I have been proud to contribute to Brit-PACT's mission of advancing research, education and best practice in psoriatic arthritis across the UK.

As a Consultant Rheumatologist and Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Manchester, my clinical and academic work focuses on improving outcomes for people living with psoriatic arthritis through clinical trials, translational research and national collaborative research. I have sought to bring this experience to Brit-PACT by supporting our research initiatives, contributing to committee governance, reviewing abstract submissions and helping create opportunities for researchers and clinicians to present and discuss their work.

Highlights of my first term include co-leading the scientific programme for the 2026 annual meeting, developing Brit-PACT promotional materials, contributing to White Swan research activities, including co-authoring a national conference abstract, and supporting the abstract prize scheme that provides a platform for researchers and clinicians to showcase their work.

If re-elected, I would continue to champion high-quality collaborative research, support the development of future psoriatic arthritis researchers and clinicians, strengthen patient and public involvement, and help ensure that Brit-PACT remains a leading voice for psoriatic arthritis research, education and care within the UK.

Hanna Johnsson, Consultant Rheumatologist, Forth Valley

I’m a consultant rheumatologist in Forth Valley where I run the psoriatic arthritis clinic. My previous Brit-PACT-related activities include serving as a Brit-PACT trainee representative, presenting my PhD work at the Brit-PACT annual meeting and collecting data for the SEQUENCE study.
I’m an NRS Clinician Researcher Fellow which gives me two sessions per week for research. I spend this time as the PI for three commercial studies and have just opened as a site for STRIDE-PsA. I’m also refreshing my synovial biopsy skills and perusing my research interests in metabolic comorbidities in psoriatic disease and the role of the B cell compartment in psoriatic arthritis.
Vote for me for Scottish representation from a research active NHS consultant with enthusiasm to collaborate to improve the care and quality of life of people with psoriatic disease. 

Richard Smith, Clinical Lead for Rheumatology, Salisbury Foundation Trust

I am clinical lead for Rheumatology at Salisbury Foundation Trust and visiting consultant to King Edward memorial hospital in the Falkland Islands. I trained at St Marys Hospital in London and spent my fellowship at the New South Wales Institute of Sports Medicine. I sit on the British society Rheumatology Heberden’s committee where my role is organising the very successful Essentials sessions which I chair at the BSR annual conference. I  have previously sat on both the clinical affairs committee and education committee. My tenure for the Education Committee was extended a year to continue as organiser for the again, successful BSR Autumn conference. I was awarded a certificate of recognition for my contribution to the BSR Clinical affairs committee.

I am a member of GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) and sit on the working group updating guidelines for comorbidities in Psoriatic disease. I sit on the executive committee for the Wessex Psoriatic Disease Network.

I run a dedicated psoriatic arthritis biologics clinic and joint Dermatology/ Rheumatology Psoriatic disease clinic in Salisbury. I am PI for several clinical trials including trials in Psoriatic disease. I have lectured nationally and internationally for the BMJ Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology Masterclasses.

I am committed to the field of Psoriatic disease and have a good track record of pro-active Committee membership and would like to bring this enthusiasm and commitment to the Brit-PACT steering committee.

TRAINEE NOMINATIONS – Two places available

RE-ELECTION FOR SECOND TERM: Ryan Hum, Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Fellow in Rheumatology, University of Manchester

 I am a Wellcome Trust Clinical PhD Fellow in rheumatology and rheumatology speciality registrar ST6 based at The University of Manchester and I have been a member of the Brit-PACT steering committee since 2023. My PhD is about psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and I have been mentored and supervised by Prof Pauline Ho to gain expertise in PsA research and musculoskeletal ultrasound. Most recently I have published a review in The Lancet Rheumatology on the synovial immunopathology of psoriatic arthritis and have a programme of research work in progress at the moment investigating synovial tissue in psoriatic arthritis. 

I have actively participated in various Brit-PACT projects most notably assisting in the redesign and rebrand of the organisation with a new website and logo. I am keen to continue as a member of the Brit-PACT steering committee for another term as I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the organisation by helping with the communications and digital presence as well as providing a basic science perspective on research about psoriatic arthritis.

James Kimpton, Rheumatology Specialist Registrar and PhD candidate at the University of Bath

I am a Rheumatology Specialist Registrar and PhD candidate at the University of Bath. My work focuses on improving understanding and decision-making when patients with psoriatic arthritis switch advanced therapies.

I have benefited from my involvement with Brit-PACT, including presenting at meetings and leading a social media study of patients’ experiences of biologic therapies and weight management. I lead STRIDE-PsA, a multicentre study investigating outcomes and immunogenicity across sequential advanced therapies in PsA at ten UK centres. I am also undertaking qualitative research into patient and healthcare professional priorities when switching therapies. Working with patient partners is central to my research, and I recently organised a patient research showcase and engagement event in Bath. I actively participate in Young-GRAPPA.

As a trainee trustee, I would bring experience of leading multicentre PsA research and working with patient partners and multidisciplinary networks. I am particularly keen to create opportunities for trainees and early-career colleagues to connect across centres, contribute to collaborative research and education, and share their work through Brit-PACT. I would help ensure these perspectives inform Brit-PACT’s meetings and future direction, supporting the next generation of PsA researchers and advancing collaborative, clinically relevant, patient-centred research and best practice across the UK.

PATIENT PARTNER - One place available

Russell Cowper

My name is Russell Cowper. I am 61 years old and from Manchester. 

I was on the steering committee for the PsA PSP and amongst other roles i am currently joint PPIE lead for the NIHR CNC HIG (health inequalities group) I am a co-applicant on a number of research projects, including one with Dr Will Tillett and i am PPIE person for the Manchester rheumatology bio bank with Dr James Bluett. Current patient rep Andy Kelly is happy to nominate me. 

I used to be a trustee and Vice Chair of the Psoriasis Association and stood on their research funding committee. 

I am also a member of PPIE groups at GM-ARC, Innovation Health Manchester and Vocal as well as being on the medical examination committee at Manchester University.

Mel Brooke

I’d like to put myself forward for the patient Trustee/Steering Committee role because, after many years of being involved in research, advocating for and within the wider psoriatic arthritis community, I feel I still have something useful to contribute. 

Living with PsA was the starting point for much of my work, but over the past 15 years I’ve also become deeply involved in patient research partnership and PPI across rheumatology.   I’ve worked with patient charities and research organisations (including EULAR, GRAPPA, OMERACT, Brit-PACT and BSR) and have contributed to ~40 rheumatology publications/articles, alongside developing and leading patient engagement initiatives. In addition, I bring a clinical research background from many years working in the CRO sector.

I’d like to bring that combination of lived experience, research partnership and practical experience to Brit-PACT as it moves into its next phase. 

For me, meaningful patient involvement is about more than having a patient voice in the room – it’s about making sure that voice genuinely influences what gets done. I’d hope to contribute constructively, ask questions when needed, and work collaboratively with Brit-PACT and the wider community.