UHNM scientist shortlisted for national leadership award

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is celebrating after its chief healthcare scientist has been shortlisted for ‘Leader of the Year’ at the Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS) Awards 2026.

Katie Berger was nominated by Ian Davies, associate professor in health, education, policing and sciences at Staffordshire University, and Rebecca Harrison, senior lecturer in biomedical science and programme director for MSc biomedical science programmes at Keele University.

The IBMS Awards are among the most respected in biomedical science, recognising individuals who are helping to drive improvements across the profession in the UK.

UHNM works closely with local universities to support training, placements and the development of the future biomedical science workforce across its pathology services.

Rebecca Harrison said: “The main reasons we nominated Katie for this award were her long-term commitment to giving people opportunities to get experience in the labs, in whatever way she can. We know it’s a careful balance, making sure staff get the training and development they need, while also making sure future scientists get proper exposure to pathology careers.

“Katie is really enthusiastic and innovative, and she has been very supportive of the efforts we have made at our institutions to promote the role of biomedical scientists in healthcare. Once we do have students in the laboratory on work experience, placement, and she ensures that they feel supported and get an authentic experience.”

Katie said: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated and can only really accept the nomination on behalf of the whole The North Midlands and Cheshire Pathology service (NMCPS) team on our four laboratory sites as the whole pathology workforce support the training, education and placements for our local universities. 

“We have a great team of trainers in all pathology disciplines and the work we do to support the future of Biomedical Science wouldn’t be possible without the huge effort of everyone involved in the training programme.”

Winners of the IBMS Awards 2026 will be announced later this year.