We celebrate the outstanding career and enduring impact of Anne Forster, Professor of Ageing and Stroke Research – a true leader, innovator, and champion in the field of health research.
Anne began her journey at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in 1987 as a Research Physiotherapist, and for nearly four decades she has made invaluable contributions to research in Bradford. She is co-founder of the Academic Unit for Ageing and Stroke Research (ASR), which has grown under her leadership from a team of just two to a thriving, world-class centre with over forty staff dedicated to advancing ageing and stroke research.
A physiotherapist by background, Anne has long been committed to improving outcomes for people affected by stroke. Her work has included numerous randomised trials and qualitative studies exploring interventions to enhance long-term recovery for patients and support for carers. These have encompassed areas such as identifying the longer-term unmet needs after stroke, reducing sedentary behaviour after stroke, and more recently exploring the potential impact of green spaces for in-patient stroke units.
In 2017 she was awarded as an NIHR Senior Investigator, who is among the most prominent and prestigious researchers funded by the NIHR and the most outstanding leaders of patient and people-based research within the NIHR Faculty.
Anne also has held senior roles at Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds. In 2021 she was appointed as the Director of Research and in 2023 she was appointed Deputy Director of Institute.
She was also an NIHR Academic Training Advocate and acted as an ambassador for a career in health research promoting the NIHR training and career opportunities. She has been an inspiring mentor, supporting colleagues and nurturing emerging talents. Her leadership has helped build thriving research communities with a shared commitment to improving health outcomes.
Thank you, Anne, for your dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment. Your contributions will continue to make a difference for years to come.
Wishing you all the very best in this next chapter.