University of Bristol Experts Elevated to Senior Investigators by National Institute of Health and Care Research

Two University of Bristol academics have been awarded Senior Investigator status by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to try and improve health and wealth in the UK through research.

David Abbott, Professor of Social Policy from the School of Policy Studies and Rebecca Kearney, Professor and Director of Bristol Trials Centre in the Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences (PHS), have been named as Senior Investigators by the NIHR, meaning they will help guide research capacity development and enhance the career paths of NIHR researchers.

NIHR Senior Investigators are among the most prominent and prestigious researchers funded by the NIHR and the most outstanding leaders of social care and health research within the NIHR.

Professor Abbott said: “I’m happy that this recognition shines a light on the talent and leadership in the social care research community, and look forward to supporting the NIHR Academy to nurture future generations of social care researchers.”

Professor Kearney added: “It is a privilege to be selected to join the NIHR College of Senior Investigators, to act as an ambassador to support research excellence and the development of future research leaders.”

The NIHR Academy is responsible for the development and coordination of NIHR academic training, career development and research capacity development. The academy plays a pivotal role in attracting, training and supporting talented health and care researchers to tackle the complex challenges facing the sector.

The NIHR works in partnership with the NHS, universities, local government, other research funders, patients and the public to fund, enable and deliver world-leading health and social care research that improves people’s health and wellbeing, and promotes economic growth.

Full details of the 2024 NIHR Senior Investigator and Senior Investigator Emeritus appointments are available here: 43 research leaders awarded prestigious NIHR Senior Investigator award.