Congratulations to Dr Barrie Rooney, Postdoctoral Researcher from the School of Biosciences who won the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) ‘Social Innovator of the Year’ award, announced on 18 May. Barrie is pictured (centre) with Nessa Carey and Melanie Welham, Chief Executive of the BBSRC, receiving her trophy and a cheque for £15,000 at the 2016: ‘Fostering Innovation’ event held at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London.
Innovator of the Year celebrates individuals and small teams who have harnessed the potential of their research to help address real world challenges.
This prestigious award was recognition for the development of a quick and simple diagnosis method, similar to a dipstick pregnancy test, to fight a deadly sleeping sickness. The test to diagnose Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) just requires a pin-prick blood sample and will remove the need to take complex equipment into remote areas of sub-Saharan Africa.
The acting Head of School, Professor Mick Tuite, said, the award was recognition of the ground breaking research that has resulted in being of great benefit to developing countries