Researcher working in diabetes named as one of standout national research leaders
Announcement on the Sheffield-based researcher made as part of National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) 20th anniversary celebrations.
A diabetes researcher from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been named among the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) standout national research leaders as part of its 20th anniversary celebrations.
Dr Sharon Caunt, Research Coordinator at the Academic Unit of Diabetes and Endocrinology, is one of 20 researchers from across England to be honoured with a NIHR20 Research Delivery Leaders prize in recognition of her exceptional contribution to diabetes and endocrinology research.
As a prize winner, Sharon will receive a £10,000 professional development award, paid to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, alongside access to tailored leadership and development opportunities.
NIHR this year marks its 20th anniversary with the series of national research leadership prizes to celebrate talented leaders who are making an exceptional contribution to health and care research across the UK, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.
The NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research.
Pictured: Dr Sharon Caunt is one of only a small number of exceptional researchers honoured by the NIHR
Dr Caunt has played a key role in growing diabetes and endocrinology research at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust over the last decade.
Her work has seen more than 18,500 people take part in 101 studies, many of which have been recognised nationally and internationally.
As well as helping to shape national clinical guidance and supported a pioneering neighbourhood-based “One-Stop-Screening” model for people with diabetes, Sharon also set up the nationally recognised LADDER group, which helps patients and members of the public have a say in diabetes and endocrinology research. She has also mentored numerous clinicians and award-winning research leaders and fostered research inclusion through trusted, relationship-based partnerships with communities traditionally excluded from research, including Gypsy and Traveller communities, and delivered faith-based community engagement.
James Frith, Health Innovation Minister, said: “Patients benefit most when our world-leading research delivers the latest innovations to those who need them, when they need them. That’s why we’re recognising 40 research leaders across England for their life-changing work transforming the care patients receive. This is our 10-Year Health Plan in action, bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS.”
Professor John Newell-Price, Clinical Director of Research at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Sharon on winning one of these prestigious national research leadership prizes in the NIHR’s 20th anniversary year. These are highly competitive, hard-won awards, so to see a Sheffield researcher among an elite number honoured is a fantastic achievement and highlights the real-world impact of our research and innovation.”
Professor Solomon Tesfaye, NIHR Senior Investigator and Research Director at Diabetes and Endocrinology at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Sharon has been central to all research conducted in the Academic Directorate of Diabetes and Endocrinology, and hence this highly competitive national Research Delivery Leaders Prize is richly deserved.”
Dr Caunt said: “I am delighted to receive the Research Delivery Leaders prize. For me, this celebrates and recognises the collective impact of my work in bringing together researchers, patients, and communities to make our research more relevant, inclusive and accessible.”
The award reflects NIHR's commitment to supporting talented leaders across the full breadth of health and care research careers, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.
A formal prize-giving ceremony will take place at the 2026 NIHR Academy Conference in October.
Read more about the NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes
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