Two professors from Lancaster University are part of a Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Data Science team that has been honored with an award from Health Data Research UK (HDR UK). Recognized for their collaborative efforts, the award underscores achievement in health data research.
Presented during the 2024 HDR UK Conference in Leeds by Dame Julie Moore, Chair of the Board, the award acknowledges the individuals driving progress in health data research. Professor Vishnu Chandrabalan, Honorary Clinical Chair at Lancaster Medical School, leads the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Data Science team, which includes Professor Jo Knight in Applied Data Science, along with Dale Kirkwood, Quinta Ashcroft, and Tim Howcroft from the Trust.
Professor Chandrabalan also serves as Director and Chief Clinical Information Officer at Lancashire and South Cumbria Secure Data Environment and heads the Data Science department. His leadership in Lancashire and South Cumbria’s Secure Data Environment program aims to amalgamate diverse datasets to enhance health outcomes in the region.
Expressing his thoughts, Professor Chandrabalan emphasized the importance of their work in improving patient care and efficiency through enhanced data accessibility for research. He stressed the benefits of a research-active healthcare system in delivering superior patient outcomes.
Professor Knight echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the alignment of their research with Lancaster University’s vision of creating real-world impact. She expressed gratitude for being part of the influential team.
Quinta Ashcroft reflected on the team’s achievements, expressing pride despite their relatively small size and recent establishment.
Dale Kirkwood, in a gesture of appreciation, credited his colleagues’ exceptional skills and dedication, emphasizing their deserving recognition.
Stephen Dobson, Chief Information Officer at Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, praised the team’s remarkable contributions, noting their growing national and international acclaim through collaborations across the country.
