- The BHP People award recognises those who play a vital role in the success of clinical trials and research studies
- Karen has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to research delivery, collaboration, training, and culture
- She has been instrumental in making Aston University Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment a thriving research hub for paediatric brain conditions.
Dr Karen Crowdy, director of research strategy and operations at Aston University Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment (IHN) has won the inaugural Birmingham Health Partners (BHP) People award.
The BHP People award is a new reward and recognition scheme from BHP, designed to shine a spotlight on our colleagues who play a vital role in the success of clinical trials and research studies, and whose work is integral to groundbreaking scientific endeavours. BHP, established in 2015, is a strategic alliance between eight university and NHS members, including Aston University, who collaborate to deliver groundbreaking translational research, world-class education and training, and the highest quality patient care.
By championing individuals including research nurses, statisticians, pharmacists and many others, BHP People also highlights the incredible diversity of careers in research and the essential contributions that these professionals make. As well as celebrating individual excellence, the initiative reflects the shared dedication of our diverse partner organisations to driving collaborative research.
Karen has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to research delivery, collaboration, training, and culture, as well as her transformative impact on IHN's growth and success.
Nominating Karen, Aston University’s Professor Claire Farrow, deputy dean research and enterprise at Aston University College of Health and Life Sciences, said:
“As a result of Karen’s work the Institute of Health and Neurodevelopment is thriving. She supports academics to deliver a programme of pioneering research into paediatric conditions such as epilepsy, child brain tumours, and neuro-immunological diseases, leading to the development of personalised interventions that will make a difference to health care professionals, families and children.
“Much of the research that she supports also tackles critical health challenges in the Birmingham area, including respiratory health, child obesity, and diabetes, ensuring research has a direct impact on health inequalities.”
Beyond her strategic influence, Karen understands what makes a great research culture and has spearheaded multiple initiatives to bring together researchers, support early-career researchers, negotiate agreements with partner universities, and stimulate research collaboration and discussion.
Professor Farrow added:
“Karen’s creativity combined with exceptional organisation and drive have positioned IHN as a leader in advancing personalised interventions and evidence-based healthcare solutions for children and families. She is a very worthy winner of this award, exemplifying the core values of the BHP People scheme.”
Visit the BHP webpage to read an interview with Karen.
BHP presented two inaugural People awards in 2025. The other winner was Linda Everard, R&D implementation and performance manager at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.
- Notes to editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.
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