Welsh research leader receives honorary professorship

Dr Nigel Rees, Assistant Director of Research and Innovation at the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST), has been awarded an honorary professorship at the University of Warwick Medical School’s Clinical Trials Unit for his contribution to research.

Over the years, Professor Rees has helped to secure funding worth £15 million for research and innovation projects and has been Chief and Principal Investigator on large-scale trials including PARAMEDIC-2 looking into the use of adrenaline in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and RIGHT-2 which investigated rapid intervention for strokes.

His research interests include clinical trials, qualitative research, violence and aggression towards ambulance staff and most recently investigating the effectiveness of a Drone-Delivered Defibrillators.

Professor Rees, who was also previously awarded the Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours List for exemplary service, said: “I would like to thank Warwick University, all of my colleagues in WAST, and the people of Wales and beyond who continue to support research and are reflected in this honour.”

Professor Rees has led and contributed to more than 100 peer-reviewed articles.

He is Associate Editor of the Paramedicine journal and a member of many funding panels and groups, including the Bevan Commission, NHS Wales Research and Innovation Leadership Group and the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Professor Kieran Walshe, Director of Health and Care Research Wales, for which Nigel is a Chief Investigator, said: “We are delighted that Nigel has been recognised for his contribution and commitment to research over many years.

“We are proud to support him, both as a researcher, but also in the leadership role he has in Wales as Research and Development Lead in WAST.”

Professor Gavin Perkins, Dean of Warwick Medical School, said: “His appointment recognises his significant and sustained contribution to research which has been vital in providing the evidence the NHS needs to transform services and improve outcomes for patients and their families.”  

Honorary titles are bestowed by universities to those who make a significant contribution to academic business, usually through research collaboration, clinical teaching or both.

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