Prestigious NIHR research leaders prize
04 September 2026
Professor Chris Gale, Consultant Neonatologist has been named as one of 20 National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Rising Research Leaders making an outstanding contribution to health and care research.
Professor Chris Gale, Consultant Neonatologist has been recognised with a prestigious national research leadership prize. He has been named as one of 20 National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Rising Research Leaders making an outstanding contribution to health and care research.
He has led multiple NIHR trials, including neoGASTRIC, which is now the world’s largest individually randomised preterm baby trial. He has worked closely with parents and healthcare professionals to streamline research involvement for families and increase efficiency of research delivery, leading to the development of an HRA-approved opt-out consent model and embedding trial processes into electronic patient record systems.
Through his work, he has expanded research capacity by engaging new NHS sites and developing academic neonatal nursing and academic neonatal allied health professional capacity from low base. He has also helped expand research awareness and involvement across the UK, building a network of neonatal units outside of large academic centres.
The prize, which marks the 20th anniversary of the NIHR, celebrates upcoming research leaders who go beyond their day-to-day roles to lead impactful research and champion inclusion in the UK and globally. It recognises their exceptional contribution to health and care research across the UK, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.
The prizes attracted a strong and diverse field of applicants from across the NIHR community. Winners were selected for their contributions to research leadership, innovation, inclusion and impact. Together, they showcase the breadth of careers that underpin health and care research, from clinical academia and social care research to research delivery and community-based research.
As a prize winner, Chris will receive a £10,000 professional development award, paid to Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS FT, alongside access to tailored leadership and development opportunities. A formal prize-giving ceremony will take place at the 2026 NIHR Academy Conference in October.
Congratulations Chris.