Two of our researchers have been awarded prestigious National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Senior Investigator status, in recognition of their outstanding contribution to research.
Professor Vicki Goodwin MBE and Professor G.J. Melendez-Torres join three other University of Exeter researchers as members of the distinguished NIHR Academy and College of Senior Investigators. This brings the total number of NIHR Senior Investigators at the University of Exeter to seven, with Diabetes theme lead Professor Andrew Hattersley, David Richards, Paul Dieppe, and Exeter BRC Director Sarah (Sallie) Lamb all holding Emeritus Senior Investigator statuses, and the late Professor Ken Stein who was an NIHR Senior Investigator, who sadly died earlier this year.
NIHR Senior Investigators are critical in contributing to the continued success and development of healthcare within the nation, and this year 43 researchers across the country have been appointed following open competition.
Professor Vicki Goodwin, Physiotherapist and Professor of Ageing and Rehabilitation, specialises in the care of older people and is the Academic Career Development Lead for PenARC and is a key member of our Rehabilitation research team.
Vicki said: “I’m delighted and honoured to join the group of distinguished physiotherapists who have been made an NIHR Senior Investigators. I’ve been hugely supported by NIHR throughout my career and this award is testament to all the amazing people I work with to improve the health and wellbeing of older people.”
Professor G.J. Melendez-Torres, Professor of Clinical and Social Epidemiology is a leading Exeter BRC neurodegeneration researcher, systematic reviewer and trialist in child and adolescent public health, intimate partner violence and
health technology assessment. G.J. is part of the NIHR-funded Peninsula Technology Assessment Group and leads Exeter’s membership in the NIHR School for Public Health Research.
G.J. said: “NIHR support has been foundational to my research career, and I am grateful for this recognition. But most of all, this award inspires my gratitude for colleagues, whether researchers, clinicians, public partners or those working in broader practice, whose commitment to a healthier world drives my own.”
Exeter BRC Director Professor Sallie Lamb said: “Congratulations to Vicki and G.J. for attaining these prestigious awards. This is wonderful recognition for their contribution and commitment to research and an endorsement of the quality of research here at the University of Exeter, and ultimately to the impact this research has on improving patient care.”