Latest news

Professor Eileen Kaner, Director of the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) North East and North Cumbria (NENC) has been appointed as a NIHR Senior Investigator, for a second term.

Eileen is a Professor of Public Health and Primary Care Research at Newcastle University, and a behavioural scientist. She is also a Non-Executive Director of the Integrated Care Board (ICB) for the North East and Northumbria.

NIHR Senior Investigators are among the most prominent and prestigious researchers funded by the NIHR. Professor Kaner was first appointed as a NIHR Senior Investigator in 2020, and this new award marks the start of a second term in the role.

The award of a second term as a Senior Investigator recognises the significant contribution that Professor Kaner has made and continues to make, to research and to the NIHR – providing visible leadership at a regional and national level, demonstrating research excellence, and actively supporting the work of NIHR and its strategic priorities.

Professor Kaner said: “It’s an honour and a great privilege to be appointed as an NIHR Senior Investigator for a second term. I’m looking forward to continuing my work in this role; leading, championing and supporting high quality applied research that can be used to improve health and care for all, as well as supporting the talented research community we have in our region and beyond.”

Professor Waljit Dhillo, Dean of NIHR Academy, said: “I look forward to working with our new and returning Senior Investigators over the next four years. These prestigious researchers are fundamental to NIHR, supporting our strategic priorities and providing visible leadership as NIHR ambassadors.”

Senior Investigator awards are four years in duration. They are expected to:

• contribute significantly to NIHR as a senior leader
• lead the training and development of NIHR’s people
• be NIHR ambassadors
• demonstrate research excellence
• contribute to national growth
• champion the integration of Patient and Public Involvement in research

You can read more about the 2024 appointments, here.