Professor Stephen Robson leaves NIHR CRN NENC

Professor Stephen Robson will be stepping down from his role as Clinical Director on 30 September 2019, after six very successful years at the helm of NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria. 

He has contributed widely to the reproductive health and childbirth strategy over many years through his role as a Professor of Fetal Medicine at Newcastle University and board roles outside of the network, which include: School of Obstetrics & Gynaecology Board, Northern Deanery; Women's Services Directorate, Newcastle University; Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Subspecialty Training Programme Assessor for Fetal Medicine; Clinical Reference Group Complex Obstetrics, National Specialist Commissioning; Public Health England National Child and Maternal (ChiMAT) Health Intelligence Network; Maternity and Neonatal Expert Reference Group; National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Disease Registration Service (NCARDS) Expert Clinical and Scientific Panel; Society for Gynecologic Investigation; British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society; Gynaecological Visiting Society and Association of Obstetric Anaesthetists.

Professor Stephen Robson said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work for NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria as Clinical Director. I have been remarkably lucky to have been able to combine an academic, clinical and managerial career. 

"It has been a great honour to lead an outstanding team of talented and committed people who day in day out do their utmost to ensure the North East and North Cumbria is the best place to do research, for patients and for staff. 

"While I am stepping down as Clinical Director I will continue to be an active clinical academic - so our paths will cross!!" 

Morag Burton, Chief Operating Officer said: "Steve can feel justifiably proud of the progress CRN NENC has made on the national stage in championing clinical research, and in driving improvement and innovation. He is an excellent role model to other clinicians considering a role in Clinical Leadership. 

“In his six-year tenure, huge strides have been made, delivering real improvements in the region and his leadership role is widely recognised and appreciated by our partners."

Chris Speed, Deputy Chief Operating Officer said: "I've had the pleasure of working with Steve for about 10 years, first as a trial manager in Newcastle CTU and most recently in CRN.  One thing we can all say about Steve is that he is absolutely driven to succeed and knows how to build and lead a winning team.  

"Steve's determination to see research as core business in the healthcare system has driven impactful changes to the research delivery landscape in teams in the NHS and has ensured that the region is leading the way in understanding how best to offer opportunities to take part in research as we move into the wider social care environments. " 

Professor Caroline Wroe, Deputy Clinical Director said: "Steve has established CRN NENC in the region with strong purpose, leadership and direction.  He is a creative challenger and has fostered new ideas and ways of working.  This has helped establish CRN NENC as innovative, agile and forward thinking with a national reputation for good practice.  

"His commitment and passion to clinical research has had significant impact across both his own specialty of Obstetrics and the wider clinical network.  His mentorship and support of new CI’s has been of huge value to the region.  I wish him the very best as he steps down."