Southampton professors named as senior leaders in UK research

Three Southampton professors have been recognised as outstanding research leaders by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).

Professors Miriam Santer, Nicholas Harvey and Tracey Sach have each been appointed as NIHR Senior Investigators. This prestigious honour underlines their status among the most prominent researchers in the UK.

The Southampton awardees are all driving new research at the University of Southampton. They are also part of the NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

New appointments

The NIHR has appointed 39 new Senior Investigators in 2025.

Senior Investigators are leaders of patient and people-based research within the NIHR research community.

Miriam Santer is a Professor of Primary Care Research, and a GP in the South Coast Medical Group in Bournemouth. She is part of the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Respiratory and Allergy theme. She also works on projects in the Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme.

Her research focuses on supporting the self-management of long-term conditions. She is also interested in improving the use of medicines in primary care, with a particular focus on antibiotic stewardship.

She said: “The NIHR is a fantastic organisation. It enables world-leading research, and leads the way in research inclusion and public involvement and engagement in research.

“I am so happy to be named a NIHR Senior Investigator, and look forward to continuing to contribute to the work of the NIHR.”

Nicholas Harvey is Professor of Rheumatology and Clinical Epidemiology, and Director of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Centre (MRC LEC). He is part of the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Nutrition, Lifestyle and Metabolism theme.

His research focuses on the development of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. He also investigates ways these fractures might be prevented.

He said: "It is a tremendous honour to receive this NIHR Senior Investigator award. This reflects the efforts of many colleagues and collaborators across the BRC, MRC LEC and further afield. It also recognises the continued impact of Southampton's leadership globally.

“NIHR has been a wonderful source of support for many years. I look forward to increasing integration with NIHR, particularly through our NIHR Southampton BRC."

Tracey Sach is a Professor in Health Economics and co-head of the Primary Care Research Centre. Her research focuses on the methods and application of economic evaluation and health technology assessment.

She works on projects aligned to the NIHR Southampton BRC’s Microbiology, Immunology and Infection theme, and Respiratory and Allergy theme.

She said: “It is an honour to receive an NIHR senior Investigator award. This reflects not only my contribution to the NIHR research community, but also the contribution of all those who have supported me in my research journey.

“I hope the award enables me to continue to support and inspire others in their NIHR research careers, particularly methodologists and those who balance research careers with caring responsibilities.”

Acting as ambassadors

Senior Investigators act as an ambassador for the NIHR in the wider system. As senior members of the NIHR Academy, they help develop the next generation of outstanding health and social care researchers.

Funding is awarded for four-year appointments, on the recommendation of an independent committee. Successful applicants receive a discretionary award of £20,000 a year to fund activities that support their research.