University of Exeter professor makes history with research award

She’s become the first physiotherapist to win top leadership award in ageing research

10 hours ago

A renowned University of Exeter professor has earned recognition for her outstanding achievements and excellence in ageing-related research.

Professor Vicki Goodwin MBE, PenARC’s Academic Career Lead and Professor of Ageing and Rehabilitation at the uni, became the first physiotherapist to win the Vivensa Foundation’s Academy Excellence Award for Senior Leadership.

This award recognises Professor Goodwin’s significant contributions to ageing-related research and her leadership in guiding and inspiring the next generation of researchers to pursue work in this vital field.

Professor Goodwin earned Fellowship of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in recognition of her major contributions to improving services for older people and advancing the physiotherapy profession. In 2017, she received an MBE in the New Year’s Honours for her services to physiotherapy. In 2024, the NIHR named her a Senior Investigator.

At PenARC, Professor Goodwin has led research on the assessment and management of frailty, particularly in conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia, while placing a strong emphasis on public engagement. Her projects include the FLEXI and FORWARD studies. In addition to her research, she serves as PenARC’s Academic Career Development Lead, supporting clinical and practitioner academics in developing their research careers.

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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.”

Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences said: “Congratulations to Vicki on this wonderful, and well-deserved accolade, which recognises her outstanding strength in research around ageing and frailty. This area addresses a local and global challenge, and is a particular focus for us at Exeter.”

The Vivensa Foundation will provide Professor Goodwin with £40,000 annually for three years to support flexible research, advance ageing-related studies, and foster career development.

Launched in 2023, the Foundation’s Academy celebrates excellence in ageing research and promotes collaboration among researchers and community organisations.

Featured image via University of Exeter