We are delighted to announce the following prizes that were awarded in respect of outstanding presentations at the SRHSB Manchester Conference 2024. We extend our warmest congratulations to them all.
The SRHSB President’s Prize 2024
This was awarded collectively to the Shine team contributions presented by Gill Yaz, Bronwen Warner and Lindsey Reid for their excellent presentations as below:
- Gill Yaz: 1000 Voices -the experiences of adults with spina bifida.
- Bronwen Warner: Transcutaneous spinal stimulation – a service review.
- Lindsey Reid: Shall Wee Talk – working towards independence in CIC and transanal irrigation.
- Gill Yaz: Shine’s work with professionals.
As recipients of the prize, Kate Steele, the CEO of Shine commented
“I am over-whelmed to receive this news. Our Health team are doing some innovative and life-changing work, which is already making a difference to some of our members, and will eventually make a difference to so many more. The SRHSB President’s Talk Prize is so fitting for the recognition Gill, Lindsey and Bronwen deserve”.
The recipients of the President’s Prize have also shared their reflections of being awarded the President’s Prize:
Gill Yaz
And gladly wolde he lerne and gladly teche”, Chaucer’s description of his Clerk gave rise to my old school’s motto, and I’ve always tried to live by this. SRHSB is where I’ve learned the most, from the cellular and subcellular basis for the issues I see in our members, to behavioural research and everything in between. SRHSB is where I’ve met the most important people in my professional life, had my questions answered with patience and generosity, had my enthusiasm fired, and had more support than I could have ever wished. In turn, I’ve used this knowledge to inform members, parents, politicians, school staff, colleagues and other professionals, hopefully to make life with spina bifida or hydrocephalus a tiny bit easier.
Being granted the opportunity to speak about our work to the Society was, as I said, the highlight of my career. For my team to be awarded the President’s Prize was an honour I’m still trying to process. I’m immensely proud of my team, and Shine’s wider community, and to have our work acknowledged this way is very, very special. But the partnerships and friendships forged at SRHSB have made it happen, and I’m truly grateful. Thank you so much.”
Gill Yaz, Lindsey Reid and Bronwen Warner, Shine –
We extend our heartfelt thanks for the opportunity to speak at the 2024 SRHSB. It was a privilege to share our work and contribute to such an esteemed gathering of professionals. We are truly honoured to have received the SRHSB President’s Talk Prize, and we deeply appreciate the recognition. This award affirms the work Shine is doing to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our members. The opportunity to share insights and engage with others at the conference is instrumental in shaping initiatives that directly benefit the communities we serve.
Thank you once again for the honour, and for creating an event that positively impacts both individuals and the broader community.
Three other prizes, as below, were awarded supported jointly by SRHSB together with the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre (GJBRC), University of Manchester. The GJBRC works to discover and develop new treatments and implement optimal care pathways that provide better outcomes and transform the lives of patients living with neurological diseases (https://gjbrainresearch.org/).
SRHSB/GJBRC Best Basic Science Talk Prize 2024
Awarded to Shereen Nizari (University College London, UK) for her presentation entitled “Non-invasive MRI of blood-CSF barrier function: A novel tool for assessment of pharmacological management of intracranial pressure and in an experimental model of hydrocephalus”.
Shereen’s reflection on receiving this award:
I am deeply honoured to be awarded the prize for best basic science talk at the SRHSB this year, supported both by the SRHSB and JGBRC. As an early career researcher (ECR), the conference provided a unique supportive and highly informative environment, allowing me to greatly develop my knowledge base as well as speak to and network with leading research, social and clinical figures in hydrocephalus and spina bifida. I was also able to talk to other inspirational ECRs in the field, and hope that one day we will be able to understand these conditions better and offer hydrocephalus and spina bifida patients improved treatment options.
SRHSB/GJBRC Best Basic Clinical Talk Prize 2024
Awarded to Siobhan Brennan (University of Manchester, UK) for her presentation entitled “What are the current risks from audiological transducer on programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunts?”
Siobhan’s reflection on receiving the award:
Absolutely delighted to be awarded this prize, and so pleased that the topic was of interest to the delegates at the SRHSB Conference. Presenting at the SRHSB conference has led to further collaboration on the topic which is supporting the next version of the British Society of Audiology Guidelines on Audiological Assessment and Hearing Aid Provision for patients with a programmable ventriculoperitoneal (PVP) shunt.
SRHSB/GJBRC Best Patient Perspectives Talk Prize 2024
Awarded to Aitana Ruiz de Lazcano Sánchez (University of Deusto, Spain) for her presentation entitled: Coping with spina bifida: self-reported health-related quality of life and psychosocial needs among adult patients.
Aitana’s reflection on receiving the award:
Receiving this prestigious award is a testament of the importance of centering our attention on the experiences and needs of individuals living with spina bifida. By amplifying their voices and sharing their stories, we are fostering a bridge between research and the lived reality of those affected by this rare disease.
This achievement inspires me to continue advocating for the inclusion of patient perspectives at all stages of research and clinical practice. We must not only cultivate collaboration between researchers and healthcare professionals but also strengthen our personal and professional commitment to championing the rights and well-being of individuals with spina bifida.
I want to express my sincere gratitude to the evaluation committee for recognizing the value of my work. I would also like to extend my special thanks to the Society for Research into Hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida and the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre for their joint support of this award. Their commitment to research and the well-being of individuals with spina bifida and hydrocephalus and other neurological diseases is truly inspiring.
This award is a source of immense gratitude and emotion. Since embarking on my journey working with individuals with spina bifida, I have been deeply moved by their courage and resilience. Their stories have ignited my passion for dedicating my career to improving their lives. This accolade motivates me to explore new avenues of research and strengthen partnerships with the spina bifida community. My ultimate goal is a future where everyone has access to the resources and support necessary to fulfill their potential.
I look forward to sharing moments and knowledge with all of you again in the future. I am confident that these collaborations will allow me to continue developing as a professional and contribute even more to improving the lives of people with spina bifida.