UCLan student named North West Research Student of the Year

20 March 2019

Naoimh McMahon recognised at North West Coast Research and Innovation Awards

A PhD student from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been named Research Student of the Year at an annual event that celebrates health and care research across the region.

Naoimh McMahon was recognised for her research into possible new approaches health providers and decision makers can make to reduce health inequalities in the North West.

It is the second time Naoimh has been nominated for the award after being shortlisted in 2017. She said: “It is lovely to win and be recognised for the work that I’ve put into the PhD.

“My work is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North West Coast, which also had a number of projects, staff, and public advisors nominated for awards. It’s great to feel involved and part of a larger group of like-minded people all working towards a common goal.”

The North West Coast Research and Innovation Awards celebrate the outstanding work happening within healthcare faculties across Cheshire, Lancashire, Merseyside and South Cumbria to demonstrate the benefits of clinical research for patients and social care. This year, the event attracted more than 140 entries across 12 categories.

Prior to her PhD, Naoimh worked in UCLan’s Stroke Research Team, led by Professor Dame Caroline Watkins, which she has now returned to and is working on a range of projects to improve stroke care both in the UK and internationally.

The award was icing on the cake for Naoimh after she passed her PhD viva in the same week.

She added: “I’ve had a great time at UCLan doing this research degree. I was fortunate to have really good colleagues at UCLan prior to starting the PhD and so these connections, along with the new friends that I made after starting the PhD, have made for a really positive and supportive experience.”

Naoimh was handed her award at a ceremony hosted by the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool.