The 2026 NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) South West Central Awards celebrated research achievements across the region, from Gloucestershire in the North to Dorset in the South.
This year’s awards were particularly significant as NIHR celebrates its 20th birthday.
Professor Tim Whittlestone, Chief Medical and Innovation Officer at BFT, said:
“It was a privilege to attend these awards, and I was humbled by the number of BFT colleagues and teams recognised on the shortlist.
“BFT achieved 10 shortlisted nominations across two-thirds of the award categories, reflecting the breadth and strength of research taking place across the Trust.
“From colleagues pioneering new treatments and approaches to care, to those improving equitable participation in research and championing opportunities for staff to get involved, it was an inspiring reminder of the impact research has on our patients, services and communities.
“Congratulations to all our remarkable winners and nominees - I’m very proud of you all – and thank you to every colleague championing research across BFT.”
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust winners
Eve Watson – Rising Star
Since joining the Clinical Research Facility (CRF) in April 2025, Eve has transformed complex research delivery across Bristol. She brings deep Advanced Therapy Investigational Medicinal Product (ATIMP) expertise to trials at the CRF and partner sites including Bristol Eye Hospital, Cardiac Surgery and Southmead’s Renal Team.
A standout achievement is in her role in supporting Southmead’s first ever gene therapy trial for Primary IgA Nephropathy, where the world’s first patient was screened and consented. This is an exemplar in cross-organisation collaboration for a complex study.
Bristol Clinical Research Facility (CRF) Team – People Centred Research
Recognising that standard hospital-based recruitment wouldn’t reach Black communities historically under-represented in research, the Bristol CRF Team took the Improving Black Health Outcomes (IBHO) study out into the community.
They have hosted a launch event in East Bristol, set up GP-based clinics, and built relationships with local leaders and groups including Bristol Somali Connect. This people-centred approach has driven real trust and results: 81 participants have already been recruited.
Associate Principal Investigator (API) Scheme Pharmacists – Embedding Research
Kate Gregory, Rachel Palmer and Arwa Kocache have embedded pharmacogenomics research into routine cancer care through the MOLGEN study and their participation in the NIHR’s Associate Principal Investigator Scheme.
Rather than waiting for referrals, they took research directly to acute admissions units and wards, building relationships with staff and proactively reaching eligible patients, including those from more ethnically diverse backgrounds, driving recruitment well beyond target.
Our shortlisted nominees
- The Research and Development Senior Management Teams at BFT – Collaboration in Research
This team has seamlessly brought together the previously distinct R&D portfolios from University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust and North Bristol NHS Trust into a single, wide-ranging and complementary research portfolio underpinned by robust processes and supported by a team that manages all aspects of our research from procurement to delivery. - The Renal Research Team – Collaboration in Research
This team delivered the first Phase 1 gene therapy ATIMP in renal medicine with the potential to halt progression of end stage renal failure. - The Bristol Royal Infirmary Research Delivery Teams and Barth Syndrome Specialists – Embedding Research
Teams have pioneered new treatment research for Barth Syndrome, an ultra-rare mitochondrial disorder. - Professor Jon Aning – Fostering Innovation
For his innovation approach and advocacy in cancer research. - Dr Tony Timlin – Fostering Innovation
For his solution focused approach to delivering the hugely impactful Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad trial across the whole region. - Rose Fyfe-Beedell – Supporting and Developing Colleagues
Rose leads the Medical Research Unit team that allows staff new to research to explore skills and support when they start out on their research journey. - Sharon Short – People-Centred Research
Sharon has committed over 11 years to clinical trials in Bristol and supported over 500 patients across colorectal, upper GI and hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers.