Karla Hemming leads a research programme related to stepped wedge trials, this includes both theoretical and applied research. Karla has close links with the West Midlands CLAHRC (Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care) and through this collaboration has helped establish and complete three stepped-wedge studies. Karla is affiliated with the Birmingham Clinical Trials Unit (BCTU) and provides methodological support for the design of cluster and stepped wedge trials. Karla is known internationally as an expert in stepped-wedge trials, has been invited to speak at international conferences, sits on international data monitoring committees and receives frequent requests for advise on stepped wedge trials from around the world.