Research stars recognised in Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Research & Innovation Excellence Awards

Researchers and innovators across north Wales were celebrated in the first awards of its kind, hosted by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The Research & Innovation Excellence Awards recognised research staff from all different stages of their career from a range of specialties, covering research into contraception to oncology.

There were five awards with special acknowledgement of those who went above and beyond during the pandemic to support ground-breaking COVID-19 trials, such as the Novavax vaccine trial which ran in Wales out of Wrexham, to those who kept trials in other disease areas running smoothly in the ever-changing circumstances.

Full list of award categories and winners

Patient Impact Research Award

• Winner - Dr Chris Subbe, Consultant Physician
• Runner up - The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Research & Development Team

Patient Impact Innovation Award

• Winners – Contraceptive Champions team
• Winner – Mr Mohamed Yehia, Consultant in Urology
• Runners up – Pharmacy and Harm Reduction team

Committed Principal Investigators

• Winner – Dr Orod Osanlou, Consultant in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
• Winner – Dr Earnest Heartin, Consultant in Haematology
• Winners – West Oncology team

Novice Innovator

• Winner – Emily Rose, Trainee Pharmacist
• Runner up - The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board Criminal Justice Liaison Team

Novice Researcher

• Winner - Iola Thomas, Gastroenterology Specialty Nurse
• Runner up – Joanne Goss, Chief Audiologist

Associate Director for Research & Innovation at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Lynne Grundy, added: “We are delighted to recognise our researchers and innovators who are making a real difference to patient care.

“The judges had a very hard job identifying the winners as there is so much good work going on, and the awards are well deserved by all.

“We are now looking forward to offering these awards each year.”

Health and Care Research Wales funds Research & Development departments in every Health Board in Wales, to support and deliver world-class research.

Director of Health and Care Research Wales, Professor Kieran Walshe, said: “We want to congratulate those who have been recognised, and thank all our research staff who have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to continue essential research work.

“Especially over the past 18 months, it’s extremely important to reflect on the efforts of teams and individuals who continue to strive for excellence in their day-to-day roles and we couldn’t be prouder.”