A team of PenARC researchers has been awarded the prestigious Leonard E. Gibbs Award for their review of multidisciplinary occupational health interventions, which was funded by NIHR Policy Research Programme (NIHR200695). The award, introduced by the Campbell Social Welfare Coordinating Group (SWCG), celebrates outstanding contributions to evidence-based practice (EBP) in social welfare policy and practice.
The winning review, titled: “What is the volume, quality and characteristics of evidence relating to the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary occupational health interventions aiming to improve work-related outcomes for employed adults? An evidence and gap map of systematic reviews” was recognised by Co-chairs of the SWCG and impartial judges.
Celebrating Research Excellence
The Leonard E. Gibbs Award honours the legacy of Dr. Leonard E. Gibbs (1943–2008), a recognised expert in EBP and Professor Emeritus of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Dr. Gibbs was an advocate for integrating research evidence into practice, particularly in the helping professions. The award was established to encourage the production of high-quality systematic reviews that can shape social welfare policy and practice.
The award recognises the scientific merit, quality, and real-world applicability of systematic reviews published by the Campbell Social Welfare Group over the previous year. The PenARC team’s work aimed to provide an overview of the systematic review evidence that evaluates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of multi-disciplinary occupational health interventions intending to improve work-related outcomes.
PenARC’s Contribution to Evidence-Informed Policy
The winning review reflects PenARC’s commitment to using research to address real-world challenges faced by the multiple areas of health and social care. By mapping existing evidence and identifying knowledge gaps, the review provides policymakers, practitioners, and employers with a comprehensive resource to inform decision-making and improve occupational health strategies.
The team’s achievement highlights the vital role of collaborative, evidence-based research in driving meaningful changes in social welfare and healthcare policies. Their recognition with the Leonard E. Gibbs Award underscores the impact of their work in advancing the principles of EBP.
About the Award
The Leonard E. Gibbs Award is accompanied by a commemorative plaque presented to the authors, along with public recognition on the Campbell Collaboration website and other relevant platforms. The award serves to promote excellence in systematic review methodology and its application to social welfare practices.
Pictured with the award from left to right: Jo Thompson Coon, Liz Shaw, Michael Nunns, G.J. Melendez-Torres
Authors
Professor Jo Thompson-Coon
Professor of Evidence Synthesis and Health Policy
Dr Kristin Liabo
Associate Professor
Dr Stuart Spicer
Senior Research Fellow