We are proud to announce that diabetes and endocrinology research coordinator Dr Sharon Caunt and NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer Paediatric Dentistry Dr Laura Timms have been named among the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) standout national research leaders as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.

The awards celebrate talented leaders who are making an exceptional contribution to health and care research across the UK, improving outcomes for patients and tackling inequalities.

Over the last decade, Sharon has played a key role in growing diabetes and endocrinology research here at STH, helping more than 18,500 people take part in 101 studies, many of which have been recognised nationally and internationally.

She has also helped shape national clinical guidance and supported a pioneering neighbourhood-based “One-Stop-Screening” model for people with diabetes.

Other key achievements include establishing 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.

Laura’s research is focused on child oral health and the prevention and treatment of tooth decay and improving outcomes for children. 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).

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.

Sharon was one of 20 nationally to be honoured with a NIHR20 Research Delivery Leaders prize and Laura one of six early postdoctoral nationally granted a NIHR20 Rising Research Leaders prize.

Congratulations and well done to Sharon and Laura on winning these prestigious awards! 

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.”

The NIHR funds, enables and delivers world-leading health and social care research that improves people's health and wellbeing and promotes economic growth.

NIHR Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs) are collaborations between NHS organisations and universities. They bring together academics and clinicians to translate scientific discoveries into potential new treatments, diagnostics and technologies.