Prestigious NIHR Research Professorship awarded to Cambridge researcher

Congratulations to co-theme lead for the NIHR Cambridge BRC Data Science and Population Health theme, Professor Angela Wood, who has been awarded an NIHR Research Professorship.

Professor Angela Wood, Professor of Health Data Science, whose research focuses on the use of population health data for the prevention of numerous chronic diseases, is one of six leading researchers in England who has been given this prestigious award.

The NIHR Research Professorships scheme funds and supports research leaders of the future. It aims to strengthen and benefit health, public health and care research leadership.

The researchers will receive five-year awards of up to £2 million as well as a package of extensive support, including three support posts and access to a leadership and development programme.

Professor Wood said: “I’m really delighted and honoured to receive the NIHR Research Professorship Award. My goal is to advance the prevention of multiple chronic diseases by harnessing population-wide health data. I will develop new methods to identify who will benefit the most from specific interventions and when is the best time to start them.” 

Since 2011, 66 people have been successful in gaining the competitive award. Many have gone on to become senior research leaders. This includes Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser to the Department of Health and Social Care and CEO of the NIHR.

Professor Waljit Dhillo, Dean of the NIHR Academy and Scientific Director for Research Capacity and Capabilities, said: “I am delighted and honoured to welcome the latest group of outstanding researchers to the NIHR Research Professorship scheme. I look forward to seeing the difference their research will make to the lives of people and communities across the UK.

“The NIHR Research Professorship is one of the most prestigious awards we offer. Their expertise in health and care research will help improve people’s health and wellbeing.”

NIHR Research Professors

The five other researchers to receive a 2023 NIHR research professorship are:

• Professor Samuele Cortese, University of Southampton. Their research topic is: Personalising the pharmacological treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children
• Professor Daniela Ferreira, Professor of Vaccinology, University of Oxford. Their research topic is: Understanding nasal immunity to improve vaccine protection against respiratory infections
• Professor Shonit Punwani, University College London. Their research topic is: Smarter identification and management of Early prostate cancer: improving Lives and outcomEs through Clinical Translation of novel magnetic resonance imaging (SELeCT)
• Professor Matthew Ridd, University of Bristol. Their research topic is: Transforming Outcomes for Paediatric allergy in primary care (TOPIC)
• Professor Reecha Sofat, University of Liverpool. Their research topic is: CAUsal Inference Methods to Inform MedicineS ReguLation and Guidance: CAUSAL