Today, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) announced its latest cohort of outstanding researchers awarded the prestigious title of NIHR Research Professors.
These accomplished individuals will spearhead professorial-level research, poised to make a significant impact on the nation's health and care landscape.
The esteemed NIHR Research Professorships scheme is designed to fund and support the next generation of research leaders. Each of these professors will receive a five-year award of up to £2 million, which includes funding for three support posts, research costs, and access to a comprehensive leadership and development programme. The scheme aims to fortify and advance health, public health, and care research leadership, building on a legacy of patient care improvements driven by previous awardees.
Professor Waljit Dhillo, Dean of the NIHR Academy, commented on the new researchers saying:
“I am delighted to welcome the latest group of researchers as NIHR Research Professors. These outstanding individuals will play a key role in the research community and I look forward to seeing the positive impact their research will make to the public.
“As a previous NIHR Research Professor, I know the difference and impact that this scheme can make, not only to develop research that can change lives but also to transform a researcher's career.”
The new NIHR Research Professors are:
- Professor Mona Bafadhel, King's College London: Focusing on clinical risk prediction models in COPD exacerbations.
- Professor Andrew Clegg, University of Leeds: Aiming to maximise independence for older adults in community and hospital settings.
- Dr. Laura Coates, University of Oxford: Innovating novel digital trials for inflammatory arthritis, optimising management within the NHS.
- Professor Emma Crosbie, The University of Manchester: Developing PREDICT-EC, a risk prediction tool to streamline diagnostic pathways for suspected endometrial cancer.
- Professor Lorna Fraser, King's College London: Working on improving care for children with life-limiting conditions through the ICICLE project.
- Professor Michael Marks, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine: Investigating syphilis control strategies by exploring Treponema pallidum.
- Dr. Naureen Starling, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust: Utilising liquid biopsies to transform the diagnosis and treatment of gut cancers.
NIHR Chief Executive Professor Lucy Chappell added:
"The NIHR Research Professorship is one of our most prestigious career awards. The award funds outstanding researchers to help address the major health and care issues of today and in the future, strengthening health, public health and care research leadership at the highest academic levels. I congratulate this cohort and look forward to seeing the impact their research will have on people and communities.”
Since its inception in 2011, the NIHR Research Professorships have recognised 73 exceptional individuals, many of whom have ascended to senior research leadership roles, including luminaries like Professor Lucy Chappell.
A recent survey of awardees from 2011-2022 revealed that the NIHR Research Professorship significantly enhances academic reputation and influence, facilitates career progression through leadership roles, fosters vital collaborations both in the UK and internationally, and is regarded as one of the most prestigious funding schemes for clinical academics. The award also plays a crucial role in developing research leaders and building capacity.
The impact of the NIHR Research Professorship extends beyond individual careers. Former NIHR Research Professor Louise Howard noted that the award had manifold benefits, such as advancing her team's careers into academic posts and influencing national policies and practices in perinatal mental health, ultimately improving the lives of women and their families. Similarly, NIHR Research Professor Amanda Daley leveraged her award to establish the Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour (CLiMB), aimed at preventing and treating chronic diseases.
As the NIHR continues to foster the future of health and care research, these new Research Professors are set to make transformative contributions, driving innovation and enhancing patient care across the nation.
Image credit: iStock
