Oliver Francis, Head of Communications and Knowledge Exchange at the MRC Epidemiology Unit, is one of 12 people from across the University of Cambridge to be recognised in this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Research Impact and Engagement Awards.

The awards recognised how Oliver’s leadership in communications has transformed the impact strategies at the MRC Epidemiology Unit and the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR). His innovative contributions span all aspects of the communications and impact portfolio. Reflecting on his achievement, Oliver said:

It’s an honour to be recognised by this award. The MRC Epidemiology Unit is a great place to work as a communications professional, because the research is so directly relevant to health policy, practice and the public, and because it’s full of so many researchers eager to be involved in communications and impact-related activities.

“I hope that this award also underlines the increasing importance of professional support for impact-related work at MRC units and university departments: the impact agenda is only going to become more important in the future.”

Each winner also receives a £1,000 grant to be used for the development and delivery of an engagement or impact activity, or relevant training. Professor Stephen Toope, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, said:

This year’s nominations recognise impressive and inspirational individuals, and strongly reflect our mission to engage the public, tackle real-world problems and improve people’s lives.”

More about the awards at: www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/vice-chancellors-awards-showcase-universitys-societal-impact-and-public-engagement