Published: 01 January 2022
The NIHR is delighted to announce that Professor Nick Lemoine has been awarded a CBE for services to clinical research particularly during COVID-19 in Her Majesty’s New Year Honours list.
Professor Lemoine, the NIHR Clinical Research Network’s Medical Director, took a leading role in orchestrating the NIHR’s coordinated response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including chairing the Urgent Public Health group which identified and ensured the delivery of the 100 most vital COVID-19 studies, and leading the Long COVID awards scheme which has seen more than £50m invested into 19 studies on this emerging disease.
Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the NIHR, praised Professor Lemoine for his leadership during the pandemic:
“Nick’s award is very well-deserved recognition for his tireless efforts throughout the pandemic, during which the UK’s health research response to COVID-19 has in many ways led the world, bringing together scientists, clinicians together with patients and the public to tackle this pandemic.
“Nick’s considerable experience, wise leadership and calmness under pressure were an essential part of the NIHR’s work over this time, and it is heartening to see his contribution publicly recognised with this significant award.”
Dr William van’t Hoff, Chief Executive of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, noted Nick’s wide-ranging contribution to clinical research:
“As well as his admirable work on COVID-19, today’s award also recognises Nick’s wider, much deeper contribution to clinical research during his time at the CRN and before. His commitment to research is lifelong, profound and highly impactful.
“This award reflects that body of work as a whole, and it is richly deserved.”
Professor Nick Lemoine hailed the award as the result of a strong collective effort:
“It is a huge honour to receive this award, and I’d like to accept it on behalf of all of the many remarkable people I have worked with over the last two years, and without whom we would not have been able to achieve as much.
“Together, we were able to work at breakneck speed, and often under considerable pressure. The fact we could deliver this only shows how robust and well-developed the UK’s health research sector is. It has been an unforgettable privilege to have played a part in that effort.”