Richard has worked tirelessly with clinicians and academics across the Trust to increase the research profile and support Noclor NHS Research Office, led by Lynis Lewis to increase the interest, skills, grant applications and output across the Trust’s broad range of services in London and beyond.
Richard is also Professor and Honorary Consultant in Dental Public Health at UC and in 2019 he was appointed as Director of the World Health Organisation Collaborating Centre for Oral Health Inequalities and Public Health at UCL. The Lancet profiled Richard in 2019 and highlighted how he uses his position to advocate for “influencing policy, challenging injustice, and promoting social equity”.
Dr Cornelius Kelly, Chief Medical Officer at CNWL, said:
“I want to thank Richard for all this work but also the tremendous support he has given me to raise the profile of research at Board level. Richard leaves us in a position of strength and research remains more vital than ever; not just because of the immutable links with the delivery of great care but also with the recruitment and retention of staff.
We are preparing to recruit a replacement and will have an advert out very soon. Congratulations on your new role Richard; we’ll miss you!”
Lynis Lewis, Director at Noclor NHS Research Office, said:
“Under Richard's leadership over the past eight years research in CNWL has been transformed, his legacy is one of innovation and excellence. As he steps down, we celebrate his achievements and look forward to continuing our academic collaborations. I wish him good luck from everyone at Noclor.”
The news was announced by Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) yesterday: Thank you to Prof Richard Watt, Director of Research, Development and Innovation