The Cambridge Brain Injury Team led by Professor Peter Hutchinson have won a major award from the NIHR to recognise the extraordinary impact of their research in improving the lives and health outcomes of Traumatic Brain Injury survivors.

The NIHR Impact Prizes honour those who have delivered transformative contributions to the health and wealth of the UK.

The Traumatic Brain Injury Team have developed surgical procedures and care guidelines that have improved patient care – reducing mortality rates by 20% and helping two-thirds of severe traumatic brain injury survivors achieve independence  in the community or at home.

Led by Professor Peter Hutchinson from the Department of Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Cambridge, the team supports the care of 12,000 patients nationally every year.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death in high-income countries. This research changed treatment guidance on TBIs across the UK and globally, reducing the high death and injury disability rate.

Professor Hutchinson said: "The Cambridge Brain Injury Team are absolutely delighted to have been awarded a NIHR Impact Prize, at a significant milestone in the NIHR journey.

For the team the ambition has been to improve the lives of patients with traumatic brain injury and to support families through this life changing event. The prize recognises the efforts of patients, carers, researchers and clinicians who have worked together to develop and implement treatments and innovative HealthTech that save lives, improves symptoms and helps more people to return to independent living. 

We are especially grateful as the prize recognises the impact and the importance our research is having on patients and their families both in the UK and around the world in high, middle and low income countries."

Find out more about the prizes on the NIHR.