Seven Oxford academics, six of them supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), have been named National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Senior Investigators in recognition of their outstanding leadership in research.
The NIHR describes its Senior Investigators as among the “most prominent and prestigious researchers” and “most outstanding leaders of patient and people-based research within the NIHR research community”.
Three of the Oxford BRC-supported professors have been named Senior Investigators for the first time. They are:
- David Beard, Professor of Musculoskeletal and Surgical Science at the University’s Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS)
- Julia Hippisley-Cox, Professor of Clinical Epidemiology and General Practice at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
- Najib Rahman, Professor of Respiratory Medicine at the Nuffield Department of Medicine
Three more Oxford BRC-funded researchers have been reappointed as Senior Investigators. They are:
- Eleanor Barnes, Professor of Hepatology and Experimental Medicine in the Nuffield Department of Medicine
- Graham Ogg, Professor of Dermatology at the Radcliffe Department of Medicine
- Paul Aveyard, Professor of Behavioural Medicine at the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences
Another Oxford professor, Christopher Butler of the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences was reappointed as a Senior Investigator.
Professor Helen McShane, Director of the NIHR Oxford BRC, said: “It’s always heartening to see talented research leaders get the recognition they deserve – and these colleagues have all done significant work in their respective fields, work that is internationally recognised and which has resulted in important benefits for NHS patients and the healthcare system.
“NIHR Senior Investigator is a very competitive and prestigious award, so these colleagues should be extremely proud of their achievement. Congratulations to them all.”
Senior Investigators, who are selected on the recommendation of an independent Selection Committee, receive a discretionary award of £20,000 per year of appointment to fund activities that support their research.
Senior Investigators are members of the NIHR Academy, and as such, they play an important role in mentoring, training and developing the careers of other researchers.