Published: 12 February 2024
Professor John Simpson has been appointed as the new Programme Director for the Efficacy and Mechanism Evaluation (EME) Programme. The EME Programme is a partnership between NIHR and the Medical Research Council (MRC).
John Simpson is Professor of Respiratory Medicine at Newcastle University. He is also an NIHR Senior Investigator, and deputy chair of the MRC Clinical Training and Career Development Panel (until March). He will begin his new role leading EME on the 1 March 2024, taking over from the outgoing Professor Danny McAuley.
Professor Simpson has previously been Director of the NIHR Newcastle In Vitro Diagnostics Co-operative. From April 2024, he will also be the Co-Director of the NIHR Newcastle Healthtech Research Centre (HRC).
His personal research interests are in understanding why the immune system fails during critical illness. He also focuses on assessing treatments to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infection. He believes it is vital the UK extends its position as a global leader in efficacy trials, and in understanding the mechanisms of human disease.
Dr Gail Marzetti, Deputy CEO of NIHR, said: “Having already worked with NIHR and MRC, John evidently has the experience and vision to guide the EME Programme in delivering real benefits to our healthcare system, and the patients it serves. We’re delighted he has taken on this position, and looking forward to the future of the programme under his leadership.”
Professor Simpson said: “EME’s vibrant and diverse portfolio of clinical trials, led by a world-leading community of UK clinical researchers, identifies potential new treatments for a broad range of diseases every year. It is incredibly exciting to be in a position to help grow such a unique research programme.”