|Dr Laura Timms (left) and Dr Sharon Caunt (right) are one of only a small number of exceptional researchers honoured by the NIHR
Two researchers from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have been named among the National Institute for Health and Care Research's (NIHR) standout national research leaders as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.
Dr Sharon Caunt, Research Coordinator at the Academic Unit of Diabetes and Endocrinology, is one of 20 nationally to be honoured with a NIHR20 Research Delivery Leaders prize in recognition of her exceptional contribution to diabetes and endocrinology research.
Dr Laura Timms, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer Paediatric Dentistry at the Charles Clifford School of Dentistry, is one of six early postdoctoral winners nationally granted a NIHR20 Rising Research Leaders prize in recognition of her oral health research.
The national research leadership prizes, which mark the NIHR's 20th year, celebrate talented leaders who are making an exceptional contribution to health and care research across the UK, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.
The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.
Inclusive diabetes research
Over the last decade, Sharon has played a key role in growing diabetes and endocrinology research at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. This has helped more than 18,500 people take part in 101 studies, many of which have been recognised nationally and internationally.
As well as helping to shape national clinical guidance and supporting the development of a pioneering neighbourhood-based "One-Stop-Screening" model for people with diabetes, Sharon also set up the nationally recognised LADDER group, which helps patients and members of the public have a say in diabetes and endocrinology research. She has also mentored numerous clinicians and award-winning research leaders and fostered research inclusion through trusted, relationship-based partnerships with communities traditionally excluded from research, including Gypsy and Traveller communities, and delivered faith-based community engagement.
Improving children's oral health
Dr Laura Timms specialises in dental paediatrics and has an honorary contract at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Her research is focused on child oral health, preventing and treating tooth decay and improving outcomes for children. Her early-stage career has progressed quickly through the NIHR fellowship pathway, and she has already achieved a strong track record. This includes award-winning predoctoral and PhD outputs, peer-reviewed publications, and current grant funding as a principal investigator.
She is also a steering group member of the NIHR oral health incubator, a national initiative focusing on growing the next generation of oral health researchers and informing UK policy. She has also used innovative approaches to reduce the impact of childhood tooth decay and created widely used educational materials on silver diamine fluoride (an antimicrobial liquid that is able to treat cavities). Laura involves children and underrepresented communities throughout the research process, including in study design and dissemination, using accessible and inclusive methods.
'Life-changing work'
James Frith, Health Innovation Minister, said: "Patients benefit most when our world-leading research delivers the latest innovations to those who need them, when they need them. That's why we're recognising 40 research leaders across England for their life-changing work transforming the care patients receive. This is our 10-Year Health Plan in action, bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS."
Professor John Newell-Price, Clinical Director of Research at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Sharon and Laura on winning these prestigious national research leadership prizes in the NIHR's 20th anniversary year. These are highly competitive, hard-won awards, so to see two Sheffield researchers among an elite number honoured is a fantastic achievement and highlights the real-world impact of our research and innovation."
Dr Sharon Caunt, Research Coordinator at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "I am delighted to receive the Research Delivery Leaders prize. For me, this celebrates and recognises the collective impact of my work in bringing together researchers, patients, and communities to make our research more relevant, inclusive and accessible.
Dr Laura Timms, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer Paediatric Dentistry at the Charles Clifford School of Dentistry, said: "I am really grateful and over the moon to be one of the 20 NIHR rising research leaders. I would also like to thank all my research colleagues and mentors, NHS teams, patient and public contributors and research participants that I have worked with, without whom it would not have been possible to deliver these research projects."
