The NIHR Impact Prizes 2025 recognise major improvements in health over the last two decades, driven by research and scientific advances. The prizes celebrate researchers and teams who have had a major impact on the health and wealth of the nation, as well as globally. The NIHR received over 130 strong applications for the first-ever NIHR Impact Prizes.
(Photo: Dr Alexandra Ridout, (Centre) Clinical Lecturer at the Department of Women & Children's Health, King's College London accepted the award from Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care and CEO of the NIHR (left) and Professor Danny McAuley, Scientific Director for NIHR Programmes on behalf of the team).
The CRIBS Global Health Research Group has been working in partnership to implement simple, scalable innovations to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality and build research capacity in Sierra Leone. They have developed and rolled out a novel medical device to all health facilities nationwide in Sierra Leone, enabling earlier detection of high blood pressure, bleeding and infection, the leading causes of death in mothers - with a 38% increase in screening of women's vital signs. They have also advanced point-of-care blood tests for pre-eclampsia, with potential for global implementation.
The cluster randomised controlled trial of 2YoungLives, a community-based mentoring programme for adolescent mothers locally developed by Lifeline Nehemiah Projects, was led by researchers Prof Jane Sandall, Dr Cristina Fernandez Turienzo and Lucy November, also supported by NIHR ARC South London. The trial has showed a significant reduction in a composite of maternal deaths, stillbirth and neonatal deaths, reduced stigma in families, communities and health facilities, and strengthened support for adolescent mothers.
Beyond direct impact, they have nurtured a sustainable research workforce in Sierra Leone, supporting multiple PhDs and Master's degrees. Their findings have influenced national health policy and informed the national maternity training curriculum.
This work is a powerful testament to the impact of true partnership. Rooted in local priorities, our research is driving meaningful change for mothers and babies in Sierra Leone. Locally led by the Ministry of Health and strengthened by co-production with the University of Sierra Leone, Welbodi Partnership, Lifeline Nehemiah Projects, and the National Midwifery Schools, our group (led by Professor Andrew Shennan) work with the community, amplifying voices that are often unheard. The CRIBS motto, ‘Dis na we yone’—‘this is ours’—reflects our shared commitment to sustainable, locally driven solutions.
Read this blog by Cristina Fernandez Turienzo, senior research fellow at King’s College on CRIBs and 2YoungLives both ARC South London adopted studies.