Two senior leaders from the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre have been awarded Honorary Fellowships by the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS), recognising their outstanding contributions to healthcare science, research leadership and patient impact.
Dr Kerrie Davies MBE and Dr Jane Freeman have both been named Honorary Fellows of the Academy for Healthcare Science, the Academy’s highest distinction.
Kerrie Davies serves as Co-Deputy Lead for the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Infection Theme at the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre. Her internationally recognised research in infection diagnostics and Clostridioides difficile infection has transformed approaches to diagnosis and management, improving patient outcomes and supporting antimicrobial stewardship efforts.
In addition to her BRC leadership role, she leads the HCAI Research Laboratory at Leeds Teaching Hospitals and is Co-Lead for the Early Diagnosis and Personalised Medicine Theme at the NIHR HealthTech Research Centre. She is widely recognised for championing clinical academic career pathways for Healthcare Scientists and for mentoring emerging research leaders.
Reflecting on the award, Dr Davies said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Academy. It reflects not only my work, but the commitment and excellence of the teams and colleagues I’ve had the privilege to work with, and provides a platform from which to celebrate all clinical academic Healthcare Scientists.”
Jane Freeman is Co-Deputy Theme Lead for AMR and Infection at the NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre and a nationally recognised leader in antimicrobial resistance diagnostics. As former National Clinical Lead for AMR Diagnostics at NHS England, she helped deliver the UK National Action Plan for AMR, strengthening diagnostic capability and supporting better antimicrobial use across the health system.
Her research focuses on C. difficile infection and diagnostic innovation, with direct impact on patient care. She has also played a prominent role in advocating for Healthcare Scientists in research and advancing equality in healthcare careers through her work with Empower Leeds Women.