SBS academics receive Diamond Award recognition

21 Apr 2017

The contributions made by three Manchester academics in relation to the successful NIHR Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) bid has been recognised at the University Hospital of South Manchester (UHSM) NHS Foundation Trust’s recent Staff Diamond Awards.

Professor Angela Simpson (second left) and Professor Jacky Smith (far right) at

Professors Jørgen Vestbo, Jacky Smith and Angela Simpson, from the School of Biological Sciences, received the ‘Quality, Innovation & Research Award’ for their involvement in the bid that resulted in Manchester being granted NIHR Biomedical Research Centre status with £28.5M of funding.

The annual event celebrates the outstanding work carried out by the UHSM staff throughout the year across 13 categories. This year’s event was hosted by actor and comedian Ted Robbins who was treated at UHSM for cardiac problems after collapsing on stage in 2015.

UHSM is part of a partnership between the Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust who put together the bid which was supported by the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre.

Professor Simpson said: “More than a decade of work from many researchers and clinicians at the University of Manchester and UHSM resulted in respiratory research in Manchester being recognised nationally as of the highest quality.

“The respiratory medicine theme within the Manchester BRC is a great opportunity for us to expand our work in experimental medicine, bringing benefits to our patients. We were delighted to receive this honour from UHSM, on behalf of many others.”

A list of all the winners can be found on the UHSM news website.