News posted 28 July, 2021

Appointments of new MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chairs recognise contributions to research and innovation at MFT

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  • Appointments of new MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chairs recognise contributions to research and innovation at MFT

The exceptional contribution of three MFT colleagues to research and innovation has been recognised by the Manchester Academic Health Science Centre (MAHSC).

Dr Simon Jones, Dr Handrean Soran, and Dr Bella Starling were among the 14 outstanding individuals announced as MAHSC’s Honorary Clinical Chairs for 2021.

Dr Jones is a Consultant in Paediatric Inherited Metabolic Disease at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH), Dr Soran is a Consultant Physician and Endocrinologist at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) and Dr Starling is Director of Vocal, a not for profit organisation, hosted by MFT, which brings people and health research together.

MAHSC, part of Health Innovation Manchester, awards the honorary appointments to individuals who have made a major contribution to their clinical speciality, including excellence in research and education.

Dr Simon Jones, who is also Medical Director of NIHR Manchester Clinical Research Facility (CRF) at RMCH, said: “I am honoured to receive the MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chair as a recognition of research from the last few years, but also research we are involved with today, and over the next few years. This honour reflects a broad multi-disciplinary team involved in our work and I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and the patients and families involved.”

This honour reflects a broad multi-disciplinary team involved in our work and I am deeply grateful to my colleagues and the patients and families involved.

Dr Bella Starling, who is also a Wellcome Trust Engagement Fellow, said: “I’m extremely pleased and honoured to be appointed as a MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chair, alongside talented colleagues.

“This appointment recognises the value that public involvement and lived experience brings to clinical research. As a public involvement practitioner, methodologist and strategist aiming for inclusive research, it also helps value these skills as integral to health research.”

As an Academic Health Science Centre, MAHSC is designated by NHS England and NHS Improvement and the National Institute for Health Research for demonstrating excellence in health research, heath education and patient care.

The MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chairs are awarded, on an annual basis, by The University of Manchester’s Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health Promotions Committee. There are currently 63 MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chairs.

Professor Peter Clayton, MAHSC Clinical Director and Chief Academic Officer, Health Innovation Manchester, said: “Each new MAHSC Honorary Clinical Chair has made outstanding contributions within their field and exemplifies the exceptional research, education and patient care taking place across Greater Manchester.”