Staff honoured at excellence awards ceremony

Staff from across UCLH have been honoured at this year’s Celebrating Excellence Awards, which included a ‘Contribution to World Class Research’ category.

The research prize was won by Professor Ali Zumla, consultant infectious diseases physician at UCLH whose research focuses on infection, immunology & inflammation and global health.

Professor Zumla said: “This is an award that speaks to our highest aspirations, which are to improve the health and lives of disadvantaged populations worldwide through conducting health policy relevant research on infectious diseases which cause millions of deaths each year.  I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the BRC and UCLH for supporting our international collaborations and recognising the importance and relevance of our work and research outputs. This award has a very special meaning to me since it brings deep gratitude and humility through recognition of the importance of our research by one’s own home institution."

The event was hosted by actress Barbara Windsor MBE. She said: “Working in an NHS hospital on a Saturday night – that’s hard work. You all make it seem like it’s not hard work, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Richard Murley, UCLH chairman, described the ceremony as “the standout moment in the UCLH year”. He said: “It is with pride tonight that we recognise the great work of all of our finalists – individuals and teams who go above and beyond for their patients and their colleagues.”

The awards are funded by UCLH Charity.