Jo has been recognised for her ground-breaking and lifesaving research funding for the COVID-19 pandemic while working at The Medical Research Council. Jo received an MBE award in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, which recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK.
Prior to taking on the role of GW4 Director, Dr Jenkinson was Head of Infection and Immunity at the Medical Research Council, part of UK Research and Innovation, where she co-led the UKRI/DHSC/NIHR rapid response and rolling calls for COVID-19 research and had overall responsibility for managing the MRC’s Infections and Immunity Board, its research portfolio and large investments.
Dr Jo Jenkinson, GW4 Director said: “It’s a real honour to receive this award. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the whole team and recognition for the amazing scientists involved. It was immensely challenging but looking back it was incredible to be able to actually make a difference. MRC and NIHR funded the first stages of the University of Oxford Astra Zeneca vaccine. A real highlight for me was when I found out the RECOVERY clinical trial we funded discovered the first treatment for COVID-19 which cut the risk of patients dying if they were on a ventilated by a third. It is a testament to the amazing research and innovation we have in this country and the importance of long-term investment in science.”
Listen to Jo’s interview on BBC Radio Somerset about receiving her MBE, what it means to her, and how she nearly missed the very important email about it. (From 25 seconds in).
Colleagues from across GW4 have also been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, including those at the University of Bath and the University of Bristol.
