Exeter researcher awarded prestigious prize for leadership in ageing research
Professor Vicki Goodwin
A renowned Exeter Professor has been recognised for her achievements and excellence in ageing-related research.
Professor Vicki Goodwin MBE, PenARC’s Academic Career Lead and Professor of Ageing and Rehabilitation at the University of Exeter has been awarded the Vivensa Foundation’s Academy Excellence Award for Senior Leadership and is the first physiotherapist to win this award.
This is a recognition of Professor Goodwin’s contribution to ageing-related research, as well as her leadership in supporting and encouraging the next generation of researchers to work in this critical field of research.
Professor Goodwin was made a Fellow of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for her significant contribution to the development of services for older people and the advancement of the physiotherapy profession. She was later awarded an MBE in the 2017 New Year’s Honours for services to physiotherapy. In 2024 she was made an NIHR Senior Investigator.
Throughout her time with PenARC, Professor Goodwin has led research on the assessment and management of frailty, including conditions such as Parkinson’s and dementia, with a strong focus on public engagement. Some of these projects have included the FLEXI Study and the FORWARD Study.
As well as leading research, she is the PenARC Academic Career Development Lead, supporting those who are wanting to develop research careers, including clinical and practitioner academics.
Professor Goodwin said: “I’m delighted to be the first physiotherapist to receive the Excellence Award. It shows the art of the possible for those who come from different backgrounds and will hopefully give others the courage to step out of their comfort zone.
I’m looking forward to using the funding to support early career researchers, in particular allied health professionals and nurses, through bursaries, support for patient, public and community engagement and learning opportunities to develop their clinical academic careers to become future leaders in ageing research.”
Professor Sallie Lamb, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean for the University of Exeter’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences said: “Congratulations to Vicki on this wonderful, and well-deserved accolade, which recognises her outstanding strength in research around ageing and frailty. This area addresses a local and global challenge, and is a particular focus for us at Exeter.”
Professor Goodwin will receive £40,000 every year for three years from the Vivensa Foundation with the aim of providing flexibility to her research, and support ageing-related research activities and career development.
The Vivensa Foundation’s Academy was launched in 2023 to celebrate achievement and ambition in ageing-related research, encouraging a network of researchers and community organisations to engage with one another and promote their work collectively.
