The National Institute for Health and Care Research has announced the appointment of six outstanding leaders as new NIHR Research Professors, each receiving up to £2 million to lead pioneering research that will improve the health and wealth of the nation.
This prestigious award supports professorial-level research that delivers real-world impact, addressing urgent health priorities such as children’s intensive care, health inequalities, and antibiotic resistance.
The 2025 cohort includes the second physiotherapist ever to receive the award, reflecting NIHR’s commitment to expanding the range of disciplines represented in senior research leadership.
The newly appointed professors and their focus areas are:
- Professor Lindsay Bearne, St George’s, University of London – developing equitable, personalised rehabilitation for people with peripheral artery disease
- Professor Tristan Clark, University of Southampton – reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in respiratory infections through point-of-care testing
- Professor Joht Singh Chandan, University of Birmingham – improving health outcomes for women and children affected by violence
- Professor Padmanabhan Ramnarayan, Imperial College London – personalising breathing support for critically ill children
- Professor Athanasios Saratzis, University of Leicester – improving vascular care to prevent amputations and save lives
- Professor Maxine Tran, University College London – transforming kidney tumour management to reduce unnecessary surgery
NIHR Research Professorships are among the UK’s most prestigious career development awards, supporting translational research that enhances patient outcomes, improves health system efficiency, and contributes to economic growth.
The professors combine academic excellence with clinical practice, acting as a vital bridge between research and frontline health and care services.
NIHR Chief Executive Lucy Chappell said:
“I am delighted to welcome this new cohort of NIHR Research Professors. As well as recognising individual excellence, these awards are a strategic investment in our research leadership across health, social care and public health.
"I look forward to seeing the positive impact of these awardees’ research and leadership across major health and care challenges.”
Since 2011, 79 research leaders have received the award, with many progressing to senior national roles, including Professor Anthony Gordon, Director of the NIHR Health Technology Assessment Programme.
These appointments align with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which recognises the importance of embedding research and innovation into everyday health and care delivery.
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