Dr Ivarsson has a wealth of expertise in healthcare innovation and industry, having led the clinical trials that produced one of the world's first Covid-19 vaccines at Moderna. She has also held senior roles at pharmaceutical firms Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Takeda and has a strong research background.

Dr Zubir Ahmed, minister for health innovation, said: ‘Her experience leading some of the most important discoveries in healthcare is exactly the sort of expertise we need leading our HDRS.

‘By combining the care of the NHS with the ingenuity of our world-leading scientists, our health service can truly become the envy of the world once again.'

Dr Ivarsson said: ‘Having seen firsthand what we can achieve when health and care data is utilised for research, I'm excited to work across the four nations of the UK and with partners across the life sciences ecosystem to turn the HDRS ambition into reality.'

The Health Data Research Service is expected to be instrumental in ensuring that health data is used to improve health, speeding up discoveries and providing information to enhance healthcare delivery. By streamlining access to NHS health data, it will lead to better prevention, treatment and cures for all of us.

Baroness Nicola Blackwood, HDRS chair, said: ‘Dr Ivarsson's deep industry and academic experience that combines clinical innovation and patient-focused research means HDRS is in excellent hands.'

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have agreed in principle to the UK-wide ambition, and work will continue collaboratively to ensure HDRS brings benefits across all four nations.