The (UMHC) was created by Student Minds in partnership with leading higher education bodies and thousands of staff and students. 91ֱ�� was amongst the first group of universities to sign up as members of the , which brings together universities committed to making mental health a university-wide priority, to share practice and create cultural change. 

The is a voluntary accreditation scheme that supports universities to understand their areas of strength and development to inform ongoing improvement in mental health and wellbeing, recognising good practice along the way. 

As part of the assessment process, we conducted a robust, evidenced-based assessment of our whole-university approach against the principles of good practice within the , including any challenges, weaknesses, and areas of improvement. A self-assessment report, a student-led report and a two-day onsite visit from Student Minds which involved over 100 staff and students, were all part of the assessment process.

Overall, Student Minds stated: “in many areas we can be confident that the University is sector-leading” and that they were “encouraged that the University is going in the right direction.” Student Minds felt that “the University is largely doing well to meet the Principles of Good Practice and is doing an incredible job to work towards having a whole university approach to mental health.”   

In awarding the University with the UMHC Award, Student Minds highlighted several examples of excellent practice, including: 

• Within the External Partnerships and Pathways theme, Student Minds “were particularly impressed with the University ’s commitment to the partnership work across the Greater 91ֱ�� Universities Student Mental Health Service. This is widely being acknowledged as novel, innovative and sector leading.” 
• Within the Progression theme, Student Minds “recognised as excellent practice that the University now offers 3.5 years (versus the standard 3 years) of funding to funded PhD students in recognition of the positive impact of this on completion and PGR student wellbeing.” 
• Within the External Partnerships and Pathways theme, Student Minds noted that “the University is part of a sexual violence network across 91ֱ�� that includes the HEI’s, police, council, and NHS. This approach is potentially sector-leading and an example of excellent practice in developing external partnerships.”

Speaking about the UMHC Award, Sarah Littlejohn, Director of Campus Life and UMHC Lead said: “The UMHC Programme has given an additional focus and impetus to our existing institutional priority of student and staff mental health and wellbeing. It has helped to shine a light on our whole-University approach, encouraging us to reflect on our current practice across all the different framework themes. We are proud to have achieved the UMHC Award which marks the latest part of our journey in our commitment to continuous improvement around mental health and wellbeing, and our dedication to its ongoing development.” 

The University will continue as members of the UMHC Programme and will now start to use the Award Outcomes Report to inform and feed into our work in this area. Our priorities for the next 6-12 months will focus on the UMHC Framework themes of Student Voice and Participation, Learning, Teaching and Assessment and Inclusivity and Intersectionality. 

Aisha Akram, Wellbeing and Liberation Officer, University of Manchester Students’ Union commented: 'I'm really pleased that we have received this award and I particularly appreciate the commitment to including myself and my fellow officers at the Students Union within countless panel discussions, in order to ensure that the University's commitment to the student experience with our support service is driven by student feedback. 

“We will continue to work with the University to ensure that we all stay committed to working in this area and building on the recommendations offered to us. I'm excited to enhance collaboration between the Students’ Union and the University to push for the best possible student experience.”

Head of Colleague Wellbeing, Helen Brewis, said:  “I’m delighted we have achieved the UMHC Award, reflecting the commitment we place on the wellbeing of our students and colleagues and how we have worked as a whole university community on our approach to mental health.

"Over the last two years, we have significantly developed our approach to supporting our colleagues’ mental health and wellbeing. The process of working towards the award has helped us to reflect on what is working well and where we can do more. We look forward to using the recommendations from the Award Outcomes Report to continue developing our approach to promoting and supporting good mental health and wellbeing at work.” 

• For further information about UMHC Award holders, please visit the  
• For further information about the UMHC Programme, please email UniversityMHCharter@manchester.ac.uk.

For the second year in a row, the University of Manchester has been awarded the CATE by Advance HE - with this year’s accolade going to The University of Manchester Library Student Team (UMLST). Developed and led by , Head of Teaching and Learning Development for the University of Manchester Library and the University’s Academic Lead for Student Success, UMLST is a driving force behind student-led teaching and learning activity in the Library.

This year’s CATE award makes Jennie, also a National Teaching Fellow, the University’s first ever recipient of both accolades. Student members of the team have also been recognised for their own individual achievements with Fellow and Senior Fellow accreditation from Advance HE.

Under the UMLST model, current students work collaboratively with University staff over extended periods of time to enhance Library services, create inclusive learning resources such as the award-winning My Learning Essentials academic skills programme, and foster a welcoming, supportive environment for students. Student members take the lead on initiatives that give their peers a powerful voice and represent the diversity of the communities found at 91ֱ��, taking part in local outreach sessions and workshops at national conferences. UMLST members also participate in consultations and contribute to shaping University-wide policies and practices, and their influence is felt across the whole institution, driving positive change and fostering a culture of inclusivity.

UMLST student member Durian (Divya) Malhotra said: “Every day is always so exciting, and with a wonderful team to support you every step of the way, you’re never alone. Being an ST has made me feel like my voice as a student has made a truly important impact at the University.”

The University is also celebrating the announcement of a new National Teaching Fellow among its ranks this year. , Senior Language Tutor in the , is passionate about promoting research-informed approaches to language teaching and fostering the development of learning communities. Across the UK, Europe and China, she is recognised for her expertise in multimodal interactive learning pedagogy, language for specific purposes and intercultural communication.

Minjie was previously a professor of Applied Linguistics at the Harbin Institute of Technology in China. She was also a guest professor at Shanghai Jiaotong University and Zhejiang University. After pursuing her PhD in Multimedia Language Learning in the UK under a full scholarship fund, she started teaching Chinese at Nottingham University before joining the team at 91ֱ��.

With her extensive knowledge and experience, Minjie has made an outstanding impact at the University. Her focus on ‘real-life’ language learning promotes connections between native speakers and non-native speakers, helping to build intercultural understanding through friendships.

91ֱ�� is one of a few British universities with a significant and popular offering in Chinese Studies that caters for all levels– in no small part down to Minjie’s high standards and strong professional networks. She is incredibly active in outreach activities too, bringing the joy of language learning to schools, colleges and the local community.

Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, said: “We know that higher education has the power to transform lives but this doesn’t happen by default. Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy and creativity. All of these 2024 winners demonstrate these attributes and put them into practice with excellent results.  

“It is vital for student success that we invest in higher education teaching and promote the value of excellence. Congratulations to each and every one of you for this prestigious prize.”

The 2024 Awards Ceremony will be held at Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh on Thursday 3^rd October.

“We strongly endorse Professor Courtney’s nomination on the basis of his academic standing within the community and his unwavering commitment to the development of professional colleagues, early career researchers and students within our field,” said Dr Paul Armstrong, on behalf of the Critical Educational Leadership and Policy research group. “His influence on our group - and through this, the wider field of educational leadership, management and administration - cannot be overstated.”

“I unreservedly endorse Professor Courtney for this award - his steadfast dedication, active involvement and exemplary contributions have significantly enriched the BELMAS community, making him an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honour,” said Dr Ruth McGinity from University College London. “He has been a dedicated member of BELMAS for many years, and has made a profound and sustained commitment to the society's mission to enhance knowledge and scholarship in the field of Educational Leadership, Management and Administration and to create a space for research and practice to meet.”

“Professor Courtney is an exemplary colleague, an inspiration to many of us, and a go-to source for knowledge, support and wise advice - I recommend him without reservation for the BELMAS Distinguished Service Award,” said Professor Steven Jones from The University of Manchester. “As well as being an excellent mentor to his students, his experience and insight is often in demand from junior colleagues, and his feedback is sought for all kinds of scholarly writing. Unlike some eminent professors, he is approachable and thoughtful, providing guidance that is robust but always fair.”

“Steven deserves this award due to his commitment and passion for BELMAS and educational leadership – he is a true leader in every sense,” said Dr Victoria Showunmi from University College London. “His contribution to social justice and leadership is something that also must be celebrated - being a high-profile male leader who is from the LGBTQ+ community makes him a great role model for others entering the field.”

The Consultant in Genomic Medicine, 91ֱ�� Centre for Genomic Medicine, Saint Mary’s is one of 58 exceptional biomedical and health scientists elected to the Academy’s Fellowship for 2024 – an endorsement of an individual's significant impact in their field.

Professor Newman, who is also Rare Conditions Co-Theme Lead at the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), said: “I am honoured and delighted to receive this acknowledgment from the Academy of Medical Science.

“This award reflects the work and commitment of all the patients, researchers and clinicians that I have worked with, who have supported the many initiatives in which I have been privileged to lead.

“I look forward to joining the Fellowship of researchers, at the heart of the Academy's work, including nurturing the next generation of researchers and shaping research and health policy in the UK and worldwide.”

Through his work in pharmacogenetics which involves understanding why patients respond differently to their medication, he has also led innovative point of care genetic studies to prevent critically ill newborn babies, usually treated with a common antibiotic, from going deaf. This has resulted in a ground-breaking bedside test that is now being used in routine clinical practice in maternity settings at 91ֱ�� University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and will be rolled out at NHS trusts across Greater 91ֱ�� in the summer. This work has been supported by the NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC, hosted by MFT.

In addition to this, Bill’s national leadership roles include Chair of the British Society for Genetic Medicine and President Elect of the European Society of Human Genetics, having led the education committee for the past five years.

The new Fellows will be formally admitted to the Academy at a ceremony on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

The Academy of Medical Sciences is the independent, expert body representing the diversity of medical science in the UK. Its mission is to advance biomedical and health research and its translation into benefits for society. The Academy's elected Fellows are the most influential scientists in the UK and worldwide, drawn from the NHS, academia, industry and the public service.

 Jim Macleod CB CVO, Chair of the Forces in Mind Trust Board, presented the award at this year's conference last week. The award was accepted on Dr Rodway’s behalf by co-author, Dr Jodie Westhead.

The Research Excellence award recognises an individual who has produced a piece of high quality and innovative research involving UK ex-Service personnel over the last year.

Dr Cathryn Rodway said “I am absolutely delighted that our work examining suicide risk in former personnel of the UK Armed Forces has been recognised in this way. This is an important study adding to our understanding of the causes and rates of suicide in veterans”.

Ruth Harris, Co-Director of the FiMT Research Centre said “Dr Rodway’s high-quality work has made a valuable contribution to understanding suicidality in the UK Veteran population, and how practice and policy can be adapted to support UK Veterans mental health. We are pleased to have presented her with this award in recognition of her work”.

Dr Cathryn Rodway is a Programme Manager at the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Safety in Mental Health (NCISH) and a Research Associate at the University of Manchester. She is receiving the 2024 Research Excellence award for her work on the study ‘Suicide after leaving the Armed Forces 1996 -2018: a cohort study’. This project examined the rates and causes of suicide in UK ex-Service personnel in comparison to the general population, looking at data for 458,000 Veterans over a 23-year period.

The project demonstrated robust methodology, high-quality research and was of particular importance as it provides much-needed insight into suicide within the UK Veteran community. To date, there have been few studies examining suicide in Veterans. This study found that while UK Veterans as a whole show no higher risk of suicide compared to the general population, UK Veterans under the age of 25 face 2 to 4 times increased risk. Additionally, despite there being a range of UK support services available for Veterans experiencing poor mental health, the study highlights that Veterans, particularly those who are younger, may be less likely to seek help.

In response to these findings, Dr Rodway and her colleagues also proposed policy and practice suggestions aiming to improve and maintain access to mental health care for Veterans and more general suicide prevention measures. These include encouraging Veterans to seek help and campaigns to reduce the stigma of engaging with support services. The study provides important evidence that can help towards understanding how Veterans may struggle with poor mental health and should help the UK to tailor support to meet their needs.

The ‘Team Womb’ collective, headed by Professor Emma Crosbie, Honorary Consultant in Gynaecological Oncology at MFT have been given the prestigious Team Science Award for their pioneering work on Lynch-syndrome associated endometrial cancer.

The team from Saint Mary’s Hospital (pictured below), part of MFT, will receive this award at the on Sunday 7 April in San Diego, California. The 10 researchers are from MFT, The University of Manchester, 91ֱ�� Cancer Research Centre, and NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC.

, who is Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Co-Theme Lead at NIHR 91ֱ�� BRC and Professor of Gynaecological Oncology at The University of Manchester said: “I am thrilled that our research means that everyone diagnosed with endometrial cancer in the UK is now offered testing for Lynch syndrome. The recognition of this work through the prestigious 2024 AACR Team Science Award is a tremendous honour and I would like to thank everyone who supported us along the way. This was a true multidisciplinary effort involving clinicians, allied healthcare professionals, researchers, patients and charities without whom none of this would have been possible.”

91ֱ��’s ‘Team Womb’ led a research programme that identified a link between womb cancer and Lynch syndrome, changing clinical practice across the UK.

Lynch syndrome is a genetic condition that can significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. It affects around 1 in 300 people, with most unaware that they have it. This condition runs in families and means anyone with the faulty gene carries a high risk of developing womb, bowel and other cancers.

Through unselected and comprehensive testing all womb cancer patients attending MFT between 2016-18, the team showed that 3% had Lynch syndrome and defined the best strategy for identifying them.

Following this study, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) commissioned an expert advisory group to assess the evidence, and resulted in a change in guidance which recommends universal testing of all endometrial cancer patients for Lynch syndrome. This guideline means around 1,000 new people per year in the UK alone can benefit from cancer prevention strategies.

The AACR founded the prestigious Team Science award in 2006 to recognise the growing importance of interdisciplinary teams in understanding cancer and for translating research through to clinical care.

Annually, this award recognises ‘outstanding interdisciplinary research’ teams for their ‘innovative and meritorious science’ that has ‘advanced or may advance our fundamental knowledge of cancer, or has applied existing knowledge to advancing the detection, diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of cancer’.

2024-25 AACR President, Dr Patricia M. LoRusso said; “I believe that this team exemplify true team science, bring together an interdisciplinary team of academics, clinicians and healthcare staff from across medicine, oncology, pathology, health economics and behavioural science. Within this nomination I highlight their exceptional and practice changing work within detection, alongside several outstanding current and future projects they have in their portfolio.”

Picture captions:

Photo 1 – Team Womb (from left to right): Prof Ray McMahon, Ms Nadira Narine, Prof Katherine Payne, Dr Louise Gorman, Prof Emma Crosbie, Dr Neil Ryan, Dr Rhona McVey, Dr James Bolton. Also Prof Gareth Evans and Dr Durgesh Rana (not in photo)

Photo 2 – Team Womb (from left to right): Dr Rhona McVey, Dr James Bolton, Dr Louise Gorman, Ms Nadira Narine, Prof Emma Crosbie, Prof Katherine Payne, Dr Neil Ryan, Prof Ray McMahon. Also Prof Gareth Evans and Dr Durgesh Rana (not in photo)

First awarded in 2002, The Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences is presented annually to recognise contributions that have opened new fields of research or have advanced concepts in a particular biomedical discipline.

Raymond proposed the concept of a stem cell niche back in 1978.  Recognition for this seminal work comes over 45 years later as he approaches his 99^th birthday. At that grand age it is quite remarkable that he is still around to receive this accolade.

The Paterson Laboratories as they were known then assembled a pioneering group of notable haematology researchers and the Paterson Institute became part of The University of Manchester in 2006. Working alongside Ray was Mike Dexter – at the time a postgraduate student – who later became the Director of the Institute and subsequently Director of Wellcome, and Brian Lord, who published over 130 papers and made many scientific break throughs in the of field stem cell biology and haematopoiesis. 

The photo features Ray on the left with colleague and friend Brian, who sadly passed away in 2021. Brian was the father of the current Vice-President and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Professor Graham Lord. 

Ray worked at the Holt Radium Institute, later renamed the Paterson Laboratories after the first Director, Professor Ralston Paterson, until 1985 when he ‘retired’ to become a farmer in West Wales, where he still lives.

The new Paterson Building is on the same site as the original Paterson Laboratories, next to the Christie NHS Foundation Trust.

“I am thrilled that Drs. Schofield, Kimble, and Spradling have been selected to receive the Wiley Prize for their discovery of the stem cell niche. This niche is a cellular microenvironment that maintains stem cells in their naive state and prevents them from differentiating. Their pioneering discovery, made by studying bone marrow stem cells and stem cells in the reproductive organs of C. elegans and Drosophila, has revealed how stem cells are regulated during human development and tissue maintenance,” said Professor Titia de Lange of Rockefeller University and Chair of the Wiley Prize awards jury.

Among the many distinguished recipients of the Wiley Prize in Biomedical Sciences, thirteen have gone on to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and two have been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

“The Wiley Foundation honors research that not only offers breakthrough solutions to existing problems in biomedical sciences, but also fuels future discoveries,” said Deborah Wiley, Chair of the Wiley Foundation. “The work of the 2024 Wiley Prize recipients truly upholds this mission, laying the foundation for today’s life-changing discoveries in the field of stem cell biology.”

This year’s award will be presented at the Wiley Prize lecture on 5 April 2024, although Ray will not be able to attend given his age.

Article credited to Gill Campbell, CRUK MI

A highlight of the life sciences calendar, the awards dinner was held at the Concorde Conference Centre on 7th March, with 339 attendees gathering for an evening of celebration and achievement.

According to the judges,  The University received the Partnership & Collaboration Award for being able to demonstrate a collaboration with their more than 15-year skin health and ageing research partnership with Boots.

The collaboration enabled new discoveries in skin biology to be incorporated into novel commercial products via a robust, clinical screening programme.

It has also brought several million pounds of investment into North-West bioscience, producing 100+ scientific publications, 10 patents and new employment opportunities.

Welcoming the award    said: “We are very honoured to receive this prestigious award from BioNow.

“Our partnership with Boots is built on a shared aim to uncover new insights into skin biology and to apply this knowledge to repairing accumulated damage.”

People in the image from The University of Manchester: , , Michael Sherratt,  . And from Boots: Vickie Wright, Jo Watson, Roboh Borke, Steph Franklin

Dr Abigail Langton said: “The acknowledgment from Bionow of our partnership with Boots is a significant achievement, and we're excited about the recent five-year contract renewal, extending our collaboration into its 20th year”.

UNEP accreditation grants our University the privilege to submit written contributions, participate in the work of UNEP’s Governing Bodies, such as  and the Committee of Permanent Representatives, and be granted observer status to the Assembly and its subsidiary bodies.

The University is delighted to have been awarded such status and looks forward to using its outstanding research contributions in environmental sustainability to influence and drive further change through such a prestigious organisation as UNEP.

On a great night for The University of Manchester, as well as Meera’s award and Professor David Olusoga’s BAFTA Special Award win in recognition of his outstanding contribution to television, alumnus Joe Lycett took home the features award for his programme Joe Lycett Vs Beckham: Got Your Back At Xmas which covered the controversy surrounding FIFA’s decision to host the World Cup in Qatar last year. 

The , which recognises outstanding contributions to public engagement within immunology, was another feather in the immunologist cap.

She was one of 11 winners of the inaugural BSI Immunology Awards 2023, revealed at a special ceremony on Thursday 20 April

According to the BSI, Professor Cruickshank dedicated substantial time and effort to tackling misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic

Her  public engagement activities include media appearances, social media activity, podcasts, citizen science, festivals, curating exhibitions and delivering public lectures.

Hear what she has has to say on this special video she recorded for the ceremony:

Some of her online articles accumulated over one million readers.

The awards was  open to nominations, and a shortlist was selected after careful review and deliberation by an expert , whose recommendation was then ratified by the BSI Nominations Committee.

The BSI Immunology Awards celebrate the remarkable achievements of individuals and teams shaping the future of immunology. We would like to congratulate all of the winners for this fantastic achievement.

Doug Brown, Chief Executive of the British Society for Immunology, said: “We are thrilled to recognise the achievements of these extraordinary individuals. Each of them dedicates their time and expertise to shaping the future of immunology, in many cases away from the limelight. Their efforts will ensure a brighter future for our field.

“Our heartfelt congratulations go to everyone who was shortlisted or nominated, and a huge thank you is due to our judges, those who nominated someone, the BSI Nominations Committee and everyone who was involved in making these awards a success. The response shows just how vibrant, supportive and talented the field of immunology is. Long may that continue.”

91ֱ�� researchers, based at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), worked with The University of Manchester and 91ֱ��-based firm genedrive Plc on the Pharmacogenetics to Avoid Loss of Hearing (PALOH) study. Together, they developed the pioneering, rapid bedside genetic test which was .

Using a cheek swab, the test can identify in 26 minutes whether a critically ill baby admitted to intensive care has a gene change that could result in permanent hearing loss if they are treated with a common emergency antibiotic, Gentamicin.

While Gentamicin is used to safely treat approximately 100,000 babies a year, one in 500 babies carry the gene change that can lead to permanent hearing loss when given the antibiotic.

The new test means that babies found to have the genetic variant can be given an alternative antibiotic within the ‘golden hour’ and could save the hearing of 200 babies in England every year.

PALOH study lead, Professor Bill Newman, Consultant in Genomic Medicine at MFT and Professor of Translational Genomic Medicine at The University of Manchester, said: “I am delighted for the team to receive this recognition of their fantastic efforts and their innovative approach in bringing this test to fruition.”

The new swab test technique, which was piloted at MFT, replaces a test that traditionally took several days and is the first use of a rapid point of care genetic test in acute neonatal care.

Dr Ajit Mahaveer, Consultant Neonatologist, Rachel James, Senior Research Coordinator and Nicola Booth, Research Nurse Manager on the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at Saint Mary’s Hospital, attended the awards ceremony in London and accepted the award on behalf of the team.

Dr Mahaveer said: "I am incredibly proud to be part of the team who made this study a reality and to be recognised at this year’s New Statesman Positive Impact Awards. It’s an honour to accept the award on behalf of the team, knowing the work we have put into delivering this research will truly make a difference to hundreds of babies’ lives each year.

“As a doctor dealing daily with infection, my main concern was how easy and quickly the test was to conduct, as it’s important that we do not delay antibiotic treatment. Our experience of using this test has been very positive. It’s straight-forward, non-invasive and will have a huge impact on our patients’ lives.”

Professor Newman, Theme Co-Lead Lead for Rare Conditions, National Institute for Health and Care Research, 91ֱ�� Biomedical Research Centre, continued: “I am absolutely thrilled with the success of the study and that this test is now being used in routine clinical practice. This test will make a real difference, helping to ensure babies are not going to lose their hearing for a preventable reason.”

It is expected the test could save the NHS £5 million every year by reducing the need for other interventions, such as cochlear implants.

Professor Dame Sue Hill, Chief Scientific Officer for England and Senior Responsible Officer for Genomics in the NHS said: “This ground-breaking bedside test for detecting whether an antibiotic could cause deafness in babies in intensive care is another example of how the NHS is harnessing the power of genomic medicine to transform patient care. This award is a tribute to the hard work of Professor Bill Newman and his team in 91ֱ��.”

Dr Gino Miele, R&D Director, genedrive plc, said: “The collaboration of our company with the research and clinical team at MFT is a shining example of the NHS working with a commercial company to deliver real improvements in patient outcomes in a cost-effective way.”

Caption: Rachel James, Senior Research Coordinator; Nicola Booth, Research Nurse Manager, Newborn Intensive Care Unit and Dr Ajit Mahaveer, Consultant Neonatologist at Saint Mary’s Hospital, part of MFT receiving the award on behalf of the PALOH team. (Photo credit: New Statesman Positive Impact Awards)

The former chair of the Spine Section for  the American Orthopaedic Research Society started her research career in in 91ֱ�� in 1985, received the award for her research in on molecular mechanisms underlying disc generation.

She has published over 190 papers  in the area of musculoskeletal tissue cell and molecular biology and pathology.

She has internationally renowned expertise in the cell biology of musculoskeletal tissues, particularly intervertebral disc  and its degeneration and more recently tissue engineering and cell-based regeneration of the  intervertebral disc .

The PSRS Lifetime Research Achievement Award was created in 2013 to honour an investigator who has established him or herself with sustained and long-lasting contributions in the area of spine research.

The award is given biennially when at the Orthopaedic research society PSRS International Research Symposium.

Past recipients include  Professor Irving Shapiro, the Anthony and Gertrude DePalma Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of Orthopaedic Research at Thomas Jefferson University, Professor Peter Roughley, Shriners Hospital for Children, Montreal, Jill Urban, PhD, Senior Research fellow Emeritus in the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics Oxford University and Professor Michele Battie, University of Alberta.

The Lifetime Achievement Award carries an honorarium of $1,000 and a commemorative plaque. The formal presentation of the award will take place during the PSRS 6th International Spine Research Symposium, November 6-10, in, Pennsylvania.

Professor Hoyland said: “I am truly honoured to receive this prestigious award from the ORS PSRS and thank those who nominated me. I am very grateful for the recognition I have received for my research work  into the biology of the intervertebral disc and the pathogenesis of disc degeneration - a major cause of low back pain.

“Of course, it isn’t just me that has achieved this but the team of researchers I have worked with and the infrastructure provided at The University of Manchester that has enabled me to progress research in this area over the last 20 or so years  to  make a  substantial impact in the field and thus I would like to say a  huge thank you to all those I have worked with.”

The project, entitled ‘Does Disruption of the Circadian Clock System Advance Liver Fibrosis was carried out at the at the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Manchester whilst intercalating for his BSc in Anatomical Sciences.

Mr Adegboye was presented with his award and £1,500 prize at the annual meeting of the British Gastroenterology Society (BSG) on Tuesday June 21^st. The ceremony took place during a special dinner at the Raddison Blu Hotel in Birmingham, with the awards presented by the Chair of the BSG and attended by other illustrious names in gastroenterology medicine along with the CEO of Guts UK.

The Dr Falk Pharma/Guts UK Awards are dedicated to encouraging research and promoting patient care in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology. Since 2007 they have rewarded over 120 dedicated young health care professionals, including medical students, junior doctors, nurses and dietitians.

Mr Adegboye explains, ‘I have developed a keen interest in liver disease because it affects so many people across so many aetiologies. Further, liver disease is going to be one of the major health challenges of the future. Organ fibrosis occurs across all liver disease and so if we can find a method of treating fibrosis it would be of enormous benefit.

This project aims to investigate whether the Circadian Clock System (CCS) contributes to the advancement of progressive fibrosis in the liver. If our hypothesis is correct, it would suggest that CCS disruption advances liver fibrosis - a condition which is associated with most of the morbidity and mortality related to CLD. This may pave the way for the development of therapies to target the liver’s circadian rhythms may be a way to halt or reduce fibrotic progress.’

‘I am so pleased to have been awarded this prize. Itis a reward for all the hard work that has gone into this project, not just for me but for all the team. I am really interested in pursuing a career in clinical research and this is a very competitive are of medicine so this award will be really useful for my CV and to open some doors as I build my career.’

Mr Adegboye’s Project Supervisor Professor Karen Piper Hanley comments :  ‘Oluwatobi has been a great student to have in the lab. His enthusiasm has been fantastic, and our collective lab have been delighted with both his intellectual and technical in-put into the project. His contributions will most certainly be recognised as we look to publish these findings.’