The NIAA Research Award aims to promote and encourage current and active researchers within the field of anaesthesia, perioperative medicine or pain research in the UK.

• It will be awarded to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in scientific research relevant to anaesthesia, perioperative care or pain.

• The award will allow new investigators to achieve recognition through presentation at a national meeting with peer-review.

• The award winner will be decided and presented at Anaesthesia Research 2026 in Southampton on Friday 27 November 2026. Applicants should ensure they are available to attend Anaesthesia Research in Southampton on this date, in the event of being shortlisted.

• This award is open to all investigators of anaesthesia, perioperative or pain research within the UK who are members of one of the NIAA's founding partners or funding partners. This includes consultants or equivalent, trainees and early career researchers.

• The applicant will have completed a 'body of work' that may have been presented at an equivalent scientific national or international meeting or published as an abstract or full paper in a peer-reviewed journal.

• A 'body of work' will include a project that covers a clear, evidence-based research question, appropriate methods, well-conducted study/studies and statistical analysis of results drawing to a valid conclusion. A 'body of work' would typically be the equivalent to two or more research papers on one subject area or from a higher degree thesis (MD/PhD).

We ask applicants to complete and submit a brief application form as part of their abstract. Please download the form below.

NIAA Research Award Submission Form

Applicants are invited to submit a summary of their 'body of work', this should be fully referenced and state the author's contribution. The summary should fit two A4 sheets with 12 point font, 2.5 cm margins and single line spacing; it should be formatted as follows:

• Abstract title

• All authors' initials and last names (please remember the lead author/applicant should be a member of an NIAA partner organisation)

• The name of the Institution where the majority of the work was carried out

• The text of the abstract should not contain headings, but should follow the general progression through background, methods, results, conclusions

• Use a blank line to separate paragraphs

• Two tables or figures are permitted, and which should be incorporated into the document

• If a figure is used, ensure that a figure caption is provided within the abstract document. The figure will be reduced in printing; please do not use any font in the figure smaller than your text font

• References are listed and cited as specified by the British Journal of Anaesthesia, except that you do not need to provide the titles of papers

• There is no restriction on the number of references cited but they are included in the page limit.

• Please acknowledge any source of funding for your study at the end of the abstract

• Deadline for applications is 5pm, Friday 09 October 2026

Work may have been and can subsequently be presented or published elsewhere. The summary of research may be published in the NIAA newsletter and/or website following agreement from the author. In some circumstances applicants may submit a modified version for publication if inclusion of data may preclude future publication or presentation.

The finalists will be selected by a panel of judges from the NIAA. They will review the summaries based on the following criteria:

• Originality and relevance

• Evidence based background and hypothesis

• Quality of study design and methodology

• Appropriate statistical analysis

• Description of limitations

• Discussion and appropriate conclusions drawn from the summary of results including the impact that it would have on the future of anaesthesia and perioperative care.

We will endeavour to notify shortlisted finalists by Friday 30 October 2026.

The top scoring applicants will be invited to present their work in Southampton as part of Anaesthesia Research 2026, and will be eligible for the NIAA Research Award competition.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to prepare a 10-minute presentation in advance of Anaesthesia Research 2026.

Candidates will be expected to deliver their 10-minute presentation in Southampton on the morning of Friday 27 November 2026, as part of the programme for Anaesthesia Research 2026. There will also be 10-minutes for Q&A from the panel and audience.

The overall winner will be selected by the panel and announced at the end of Anaesthesia Research 2026, on Friday 27 November 2026.

The following criteria will be used to score each oral presentation:

• Oral presentation that is clear, delivers a logical approach to the evidence-based background and hypothesis leading to relevant conclusions.

• Robust and well-designed study methodology.

• Accurate presentation of results including appropriate statistical analysis with use of figures and tables.

• Questions answered clearly and constructively. Clear viewpoint on application of results to clinical practice and future direction of research.

The award winner will hold the 'NIAA Research Award' for one year and will receive an honorarium of £500 and be presented with a certificate.

2025: Dr Mary Slingo, Southampton/Oxford

Abstract title: The oxygen-sensing hypoxia-inducible factor pathway and its impact on cardiopulmonary physiology and pathology

2024: Dr Jonny Stephens, London

Abstract title: A prospective translational study examining extracellular vesicles as crucial mediators of postoperative pulmonary complications induced by mechanical ventilation

2023: Dr Daniel Stubbs, Cambridge

Abstract title: Towards multidisciplinary care for chronic subdural haematoma. From an understanding of regional care networks to national consensus

2022: Dr Andrew Cumpstey, Southampton

Abstract title: Supplemental oxygen therapy in anaesthesia and intensive care, & its effect on oxidative stress during major surgery

2021: Dr Shaun May, London

Abstract title: Unravelling the enigma of elevated troponin after non-cardiac surgery