Press release
News to make your heart leap: cardiovascular researcher receives national prize
A University of Dundee researcher has been recognised with a prestigious national research leadership prize.
Published on 26 August 2026
Professor Isla Mackenzie, from the University’s Faculty of Health, has been named an NIHR20 Research Delivery Leader, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to health and care research.
The prizes, which mark the 20th anniversary of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), celebrate talented leaders who are making an exceptional contribution to health and care research across the UK, improving outcomes for patients, tackling inequalities and driving economic growth across the country.
Professor Mackenzie is a Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine whose research focuses on improving cardiovascular outcomes and drug safety using large, multicentre randomised clinical trials to answer important clinical research questions. She has also established an international reputation in decentralised trials that bring trial activities closer to patients’ homes.
As a prize winner, Professor Mackenzie will receive a £10,000 professional development award, alongside access to tailored leadership and development opportunities, including one-to-one coaching and training in areas including impact and research inclusion. She will also be able to access complementary leadership development and mentoring support.
“To be named as an NIHR20 Research Delivery Leader is a fantastic honour,” said Professor Mackenzie.
“I have been involved in clinical research for more than 25 years and I am just as passionate today about improving outcomes for patients as when I first started. I also relish the opportunity to continue my own personal development and this prize from the NIHR will play a significant part in allowing that, for which I am extremely grateful.”
Professor Mackenzie is one of just 20 individuals selected as Research Delivery Leaders for their ability to demonstrate exceptional leadership in delivering NIHR portfolio research and championing participation across health and care settings in the UK.
Professor Lucy Chappell, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department of Health and Social Care and Chief Executive Officer of NIHR, said, “These prizes highlight the exceptional talent and dedication found across our health and care research community. Our winners represent the best of research leadership, driving life-changing improvements for patients - nationally and internationally - and tackling inequalities head-on”.
A formal prize-giving ceremony will take place at the 2026 NIHR Academy Conference in October. Find out more about the NIHR20 Research Leaders Prizes.