Professor Vicki Goodwin MBE, Professor of Ageing and Rehabilitation at the University of Exeter and Academic Career Development Lead with PenARC, has recently been awarded the Academy Excellence Award for Senior Leadership by the Vivensa Foundation,and is the first physiotherapist to ever win the award.
This award is recognition for the consistent, and immeasurable contribution to ageing-related research, as well as her dedication to to supporting and guiding researchers through this field of critical research.
During her time with PenARC, Professor Goodwin has spearheaded research into the assessment and management of frailty—encompassing conditions like Parkinson’s and dementia—while placing a strong emphasis on public engagement. Her work has included projects such as the FLEXI Study and the FORWARD Study.
As well as leading research, she supports those who are wanting to develop research careers, including clinical and practitioner academics with PenARC.
Professor Goodwin said:
“I’m delighted to be the first physiotherapist to receive the Excellence Award. It shows the art of the possible for those who come from different backgrounds and will hopefully give others the courage to step out of their comfort zone.
I’m looking forward to using the funding to support early career researchers, in particular allied health professionals and nurses, through bursaries, support for patient, public and community engagement and learning opportunities to develop their clinical academic careers to become future leaders in ageing research.”
The Vivensa Foundation’s Academy was launched in 2023 to celebrate achievement and ambition in ageing-related research, encouraging a network of researchers and community organisations to engage with one another and promote their work collectively.