Queen’s prize honours research to improve women’s health

A number of staff from MRC Centre for Reproductive Health visited Buckingham Palace to receive the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize on 22 February, 2018.

This article was first published on 27 February, 2018

The University of Edinburgh has received the award for its work to improve women’s health over the last 40 years.

The individuals who were presented with the award have been leading the research that has changed women’s lives around the world.

Research at MRC CRH at University of Edinburgh has helped give millions of women access to safe and effective contraception. It has helped develop life-saving treatments for breast and ovarian cancer.

Studies led by Edinburgh have also helped to cut rates of still births and have led to better treatments for problems that arise during pregnancy, improving the health of pregnant women and the next generation.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes are part of the honours system and are awarded every two years by The Queen on the Prime Minister’s advice.

It is the third time in a row – and the fifth time ever – the University has received a Prize.

Professors Jane Norman and Hilary Critchley, at the University of Edinburgh’s MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, were presented with the award at Buckingham Palace on 22.02.18.

They said: “We are extremely honoured to receive this Prize, which recognises decades of work from many people spanning multiple disciplines – from fundamental biology studies and drug development to clinical trials that have helped shape women’s healthcare.

“Along with our advocacy work, we believe that our excellence in women’s health research has indeed changed lives.”

Rod Mitchell, Lucy Whitaker, Lisa Campbell, Sarah Murray and Karolina Skorupskaite joined Jane and Hilary to receive the award from Prince Charles. They were also able to talk to the Royals about the groundbreaking research they are currently working on.

From CRH, a number of staff members were lucky enough to attend the Queen’s Anniversary Prize dinner at Guildhall on 21 February, including Professor Jane Norman, Professor Hilary Critchley, Professor Rebecca Reynolds, Professor Jeff Pollard, Dr Sarah Stock, Professor Colin Duncan, and Dr Jackie Maybin.

Congratulations to all!