Lakeside Research Partner, Dr Sophie Reiter, wins prestigious NIHR Research Leaders Prize

Dr Sophie Reiter, a Principal Investigator from Lakeside Research, has been recognised with a prestigious national research leadership prize.

Dr Reiter has been named one of 20 NIHR20 Research Delivery Leaders, making an outstanding contribution to health and care research.

The prizes, which mark the 20th anniversary of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), celebrate talented leaders who are making an exceptional contribution to health and care research across the UK, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.

Dr Reiter, who joined Lakeside Research early this year, is committed to making research accessible to everyone and she champions studies that have the most beneficial effect for patients locally and nationally. As well as being a GP and Principal Investigator, she is also a regional lead for Primary Care Research in the East of England, supporting workforce development and research capacity and capability.

She has been involved in many academic and commercial studies involving vaccines, cardiovascular disease, lipid disorders, and cancer screening and said: ‘What really drives me is making research accessible. I believe that all patients should have access to the newest treatments, innovations and research opportunities as a part of routine General Practice.

'It is a real honour to receive this award, and I will continue to champion and drive what Lakeside Research offers in terms of real results and outcomes for our patient populations, helping us to contribute to the advancement of treatments in healthcare. Lakeside Research, which conducts clinical trials on behalf of research organisations and pharmaceutical sponsors, is at an exciting phase of development. We are looking to expand our reach while prioritising studies that have the potential to directly benefit our patients, as well as the wider research community.

'To be named as a Research Delivery Leader is a real accolade. I am so thrilled and am really looking forward to celebrating with my fellow award winners later this year.'

Lakeside’s Chief Executive, Jessica Bawden, said: ‘On behalf of our Partnership we would like to extend huge congratulations to Sophie who exudes commitment and passion for Research and what it can achieve for our patients and communities.’

As a prize winner, Dr Reiter will receive a professional development award, alongside access to tailored leadership and development opportunities.  

James Frith, Health Innovation Minister, said: ‘Patients benefit most when our world-leading research delivers the latest innovations to those who need them, when they need them. That’s why we’re recognising 40 research leaders across England for their life-changing work transforming the care patients receive. This is our 10-Year Health Plan in action, bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS.’

Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care and Chief Executive Officer of NIHR, said: ‘These prizes highlight the exceptional talent and dedication found across our health and care research community. Our winners represent the best of research leadership, driving life-changing improvements for patients - nationally and internationally - and tackling inequalities head-on.

‘As we mark 20 years of the NIHR, we are proud to celebrate these outstanding individuals who are strengthening health and social care and making research more inclusive. The quality of the field was outstanding, and every winner should be immensely proud.’

A formal prize-giving ceremony will take place at the 2026 NIHR Academy Conference in October.

Find out more about NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes

Published: Aug 23, 2026