The award was presented yesterday by David Probert at the NIHR North Thames CRN Research Awards who highlighted Lynis’ exceptional and sustained contribution to research over her life and her real dedication throughout
Lynis has been the Director for Noclor for nearly two decades and is the Mental Health Specialty Lead for the NIHR North Thames Clinical Research Network. The nominations for Lynis to receive the award came from her team at Noclor, which was supported by dozens of colleagues from across NHS leadership, clinical staff, researchers and academics, and by Whittington Health NHS Trust.
Commenting in support of the award were the following:
From Nick Lemoine, Medical Director, NIHR Clinical Research Network:
"I have known Lynis since 2007 when she joined the Executive Team of the NIHR Comprehensive Local Research Network for Central & East London, of which I was the clinical Director until 2014. In my subsequent role as National Medical Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Network, I have continued to seek her wise counsel on the opportunities and challenges for research outside hospital settings. She has been a hugely impressive and committed leader for research in primary care and mental health services for many years, and her contributions have been wide-ranging and instrumental in engendering positive change across the sector. She richly deserves recognition with a Lifetime Achievement Award."
From Professor Richard Watt, CNWL Director for Research, Development and Innovation:
"Lynis is quite simply amazing! Across London and further afield, she is known as someone who 'gets things done'. In a positive, supportive and creative manner she finds solutions to help move research forwards. She is totally committed to supporting in an inclusive manner the next generation of researchers. Her award is greatly deserved. Congratulations Lynis."
From Dr Vincent Kirchner, NLMHP Chief Medical Officer:
"I have worked with Lynis for many years and her enthusiasm and energy to promote and grow research is unparalleled. Her values shine through in everything she does, including how she champions inequalities in research. Lynis has a wonderful sense of humour and working with her is an absolute pleasure. Even in the most difficult situations, Lynis will find a way to lighten the mood. This lifetime achievement award could not go to a more deserving person who is an expert in her field."
From her team here at Noclor NHS Research Office:
"Anyone who knows Lynis will already be well aware that she is synonymous with research and a ‘go-to’ for any research question. She has served the research community for three decades, contributing a positive influence and driving system improvements throughout. Lynis has improved people’s lives, not just through maximising opportunities for patients, but also by going many extra miles for her team. Lynis always gives her time and openly shares her learning and expertise. She has dedicated her life to research and improving healthcare, sacrificing much along the way and never expecting recognition but this lifetime achievement award would be a start to giving her the thanks that she sincerely deserves."
Lynis herself, added the following words:
"I honestly love what I do, so doesn’t seem like work most of the time. I get to work with amazing people, doing great stuff. This award isn't just mine; I’ve worked with lots of great people along the way and have a wonderful team supporting me. I appreciate everyone's kind words..... all of it true of course!"