Two researchers from the University of Sheffield have been nationally recognised as outstanding research leaders for their excellent leadership, innovation and impact to health and care research.
Dr Sharon Caunt, Research Coordinator in the Academic Unit of Diabetes and Endocrinology, School of Medicine and Population Health and Dr Laura Timms, NIHR Academic Clinical Lecturer in Paediatric Dentistry, School of Clinical Dentistry, have both received prestigious National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Leadership Prizes.
The national research leadership prizes form part of the NIHR’s 20th anniversary celebrations, recognising researchers across the UK who are making an exceptional contribution to health and care research, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.
Sharon has been named one of just 20 NIHR20 Research Delivery Leaders, recognising her contribution to diabetes and endocrinology research and her work bringing researchers, patients and communities together.
Over the past decade, Sharon has helped grow diabetes and endocrinology research at the University of Sheffield and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, supporting more than 18,500 people to take part in 101 studies.
Her work has contributed to national clinical guidance and supported a pioneering neighbourhood-based “One-Stop-Screening” model for people with diabetes. Sharon has also established the nationally recognised LADDER group, giving patients and members of the public a voice in shaping diabetes and endocrinology research.
She has also developed trusted partnerships with communities traditionally underrepresented in research, including Gypsy and Traveller communities, alongside faith-based community engagement. Her commitment to supporting others has also seen her mentor clinicians and research leaders, helping to build the next generation of health researchers.
Laura has been recognised as one of just six early postdoctoral NIHR20 Rising Research Leaders, celebrating her achievements as an emerging research leader in oral health.
Laura specialises in paediatric dentistry and her research focuses on improving oral health for children, including preventing and treating tooth decay. Her research career has progressed rapidly through the NIHR fellowship pathway, with award-winning predoctoral and PhD research, peer-reviewed publications and current grant funding as a principal investigator.
Laura is also a steering group member of the NIHR Oral Health Incubator, a national initiative helping to develop the next generation of oral health researchers and inform UK policy. Her work includes exploring innovative ways to reduce the impact of childhood tooth decay and developing widely used educational resources on silver diamine fluoride, an antimicrobial liquid that can be used to treat cavities.
A key part of Laura’s approach is making sure children and communities are involved in research from the outset. She works with children and underrepresented groups in areas including study design and sharing research findings, using accessible and inclusive approaches.
Together, the recognition of Sharon and Laura highlights the breadth of health research taking place in Sheffield – and the difference it can make to people’s lives.
Dr Sharon Caunt 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 said: “I am really grateful and over the moon to be one of the 20 NIHR rising research leaders. I have had fantastic support from NIHR in my career to date, and I am further grateful for the development opportunities that come with this prize. 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."
Professor John Newell-Price, Professor of Endocrinology, University of Sheffield and 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.”
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.”
Each winner will receive a £10,000 professional development award, paid to their employer, alongside access to tailored leadership and development opportunities.
The winners will be formally recognised at the 2026 NIHR Academy Conference in October.