University celebrates four prestigious research awards

Four academics from the Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health have been appointed as National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Senior Investigators, in recognition of their leading and transformative research.  Kath Checkland is Professor of Health Policy and is a GP by background. She leads a team of researchers in the Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care at The University of Manchester. Professor Checkland’s team researches the impact of changes to NHS policy, organisation and management, working closely with policy makers at the Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England to ensure that policy and organisational changes are based upon the best possible evidence.  Professor Checkland has a particular interest in primary care workforce, working with colleagues across the NIHR School for Primary Care Research and NIHR Policy Research Units to develop an evidence base to support policy in this area. Rachel Elliott is Professor in Health Economics, Lead for the Manchester Centre for Health Economics (MCHE), an applied health economist, and a UK-registered pharmacist.  Professor Elliott applies an economics perspective to better understand complex healthcare themes (patient safety and adherence, primary care, digital interoperability, diabetes, antibiotic resistance, mental health and dementia) to design effective, sustainable solutions that improve health where there is the greatest unmet need. David French is a Professor of Health Psychology at the University as well as being President of the European Health Psychology Society. Professor French is a behavioural scientist who is interested in developing, evaluating and implementing complex interventions to improve health. His research focusses on cancer screening, prevention of diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease in high-risk populations, and effects of changing the built environment. The University also celebrates Peter Hoskin, Professor in Oncology, who has been reappointed as Senior Investigator by the NIHR. Professor Kath Checkland said: “I was absolutely delighted to have my work for NIHR recognised by this award. My research has benefitted enormously from the financial and practical support provided by NIHR, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to further to its work.  Professor Rachel Elliott said: “I am very pleased and honoured to have been given the Senior Investigator award. As a Senior investigator, I will expand my leadership in research through continued development of the economics of safety work programme, augmented by my role in NIHR-Greater Manchester-Patient Safety Research Collaboration.  “I will enhance public, patient, and community engagement in health economics through expanded training and funded projects, while promoting inclusion in the academic workforce by proactively reaching out to underrepresented professions, regions, and institutions, supported by my role as Post-doctoral Award Chair in the NIHR Academy.” Professor David French said: “I am delighted to be appointed as an NIHR Senior Investigator, and the opportunities this provides to provide leadership in developing and evaluating complex interventions to promote health, especially those with high reach.” The NIHR funds Senior Investigators every year. Those appointed to the role help to guide research capacity development and play a leading role in guiding strategy and tackling challenges in the health and social care landscape.  The position is awarded to those who make an outstanding leadership contribution to the work of the NIHR. All Senior Investigator appointees receive funding for 4 years to support their research activities while undertaking a senior leadership role for the NIHR. Working in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, and the public, the NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people’s health and well-being and promotes economic growth. See the full list of NIHR Senior Investigators here.Read NIHR’s news story here.