The NIHR Senior Clinical and Practitioner Research Award, gives each awardee dedicated time over the next five years to carry out important research projects—all while continuing to work within the NHS.
The award winners are:
- Dr Jane Freeston
- Dr Stuart Currie
- Dr Clare Greenwood
- Dr David Bird
Starting in June 2025, each researcher will spend half of their time focused on their project, with the goal of turning new ideas and technologies into real improvements for patients.
Dr Jane Freeston, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Trust is exploring the connection between a type of arthritis (called psoriatic arthritis) and liver disease.
She said: “This award gives me the chance to build a bigger research programme in this area, using tools like a special liver scan to support my work”.
Her research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better treatment for people with this combination of health problems.
Dr Stuart Currie, Consultant Neuroradiologist at the Trust is developing a secure research platform to help scientists and doctors work together using real NHS imaging data (like scans and X-rays). This platform will help build AI tools to support faster and more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Dr Stuart Currie said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity. It means we can safely test new ideas using real data without affecting patient care, and even work with top research centres around the world.”
His work could lead to smarter systems that help doctors make better decisions in the future.
Dr Clare Greenwood, a Clinical Academic Researcher in Tissue Viability at the Trust is researching how to stop painful leg ulcers from developing in people who suffer injuries to their lower legs—something that often happens in older adults.
“This award gives me the time and support I need to lead this important research,” Clare explained.
Her study will look at developing an early intervention pathway for patients with new traumatic lower limb wounds, to prevent more serious wounds from developing—especially in patients who don’t currently receive consistent care.
Dr David Bird, Principal Clinical Scientist in Radiotherapy Physics at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is working to bring cutting-edge technology into cancer treatment.
He said: “I’m thrilled to have received this award. It will help me bring advanced technologies into the NHS to personalise radiotherapy and improve outcomes for patients,”.
His project will focus on setting up a research team within the NHS, working with experts around the world, and helping to train the next generation of clinical researchers.
This award is a proud moment for the Trust, and it shows the strong commitment to improving healthcare through innovation and research. These four projects have the potential to make a real difference to patients—not just in Leeds, but across the whole NHS.
Photo caption: Dr Jane Freeston, Dr Stuart Currie, Dr Clare Greenwood and Dr David Bird.