NHSBT’s Rebecca Cardigan made an affiliated professor at the Department of Haematology at the University of Cambridge

Rebecca is NHSBTs Director of Blood Component Research & Development – she is one the chief investigators on the world-leading RESTORE trial and leads across research on novel products.

These potential new products include dried plasma, universal plasma and platelets, neonatal blood products, and more.

"I am delighted with the news. This recognition reflects more than 30 years of research aimed at improving outcomes for patients who need blood transfusion," said Rebecca

"It also reflects the dedication, expertise and support of the many colleagues, collaborators and friends across the globe who I have worked alongside. This achievement is as much yours as it is mine."

Rebecca thanked the University of Cambridge for recognising the value of translational research, of connecting discovery with patient benefit, and the fundamental role blood transfusion plays modern medicine.

"I only wish my dad could have seen this", she said.

"In the latter part of his career, he worked in education, championing STEM subjects and encouraging girls and young women to pursue engineering and the physical sciences. I chose a slightly different path, but I know he would have been absolutely chuffed to bits about this, as am I."