Sir Michael Uren prize awarded for excellence in epidemiological research

Bethan Cracknell-Daniels has been awarded the Sir Michael Uren Prize for her pioneering research in epidemiology, focusing on dengue vaccine efficacy.

Imperial College London PhD student Bethan Cracknell-Daniels has been named as the recipient of the inaugural Sir Michael Uren Prize for her exceptional contributions to epidemiological research. Her development of a Bayesian survival model, informed by phase III trial data, has significantly advanced our understanding of dengue vaccine efficacy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Sir Michael Uren Prize is testament to the transformative power of philanthropy and the legacy of Sir Michael Uren. A generous endowment fund provided by the Michael Uren Foundation has made this annual prize possible, reflecting Sir Michael's dedication to advancing and promoting research excellence.

The prestigious accolade, which includes a £20,000 grant, is awarded to the postgraduate student who has shown outstanding academic excellence and outlined the best use of the prize funds to develop innovative solutions for real-world environmental, economic, societal, or health problems. It serves as an inspiration for individuals like Bethan, who are making a positive impact through their academic work.

The Trustees of the Michael Uren Foundation said, “The prize is not only a celebration of individual academic achievement, but also a recognition of the profound impact that innovative research can have on some of the most pressing challenges facing us all today.”

Bethan's recognition was driven by her passion for making a tangible impact through research. Her interest in immunology and addressing real-world challenges inspired her to pursue a PhD at Imperial, known for its strong ties with NGOs and institutions like the World Health Organization. These connections enabled Bethan to translate her research into actionable solutions for global health issues.

Tackling global health challenges

Bethan's research focused on dengue fever, a disease that affects nearly half of the world's population with limited control measures and emphasised the critical need for effective vaccines and treatments. Bethan conducted detailed analyses across different dengue types, age groups, and exposure histories.

 "Bethan's achievement exemplifies the calibre of talent at Imperial and highlights the transformative impact of interdisciplinary research in addressing global health challenges." Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise)

She developed a Bayesian survival model that connected vaccine-induced neutralising antibodies to individuals' disease or hospitalisation risks. By rigorously testing the model, she determined the vital significance of incorporating age-specific effects to accurately predict trial outcomes.

This statistical framework, refined with data from phase III trials, assesses dengue vaccine efficacy across diverse serotypes, serostatuses, and age demographics over time. By integrating an adapted correlate of protection model, Bethan's model mechanistically connects antibody levels to disease risk ratios.

As Bethan's research gained recognition and influenced discussions at the World Health Organization (WHO), she transitioned from academic inquiry to meeting policy-driven deadlines. This shift proved to be both challenging and rewarding, highlighting the substantial real-word impact of her work. Consequently, the WHO Scientific Advisory Board of Experts (SAGE) on dengue vaccines recommended the vaccine for children over six years old in high dengue burden locations.

Bethan said, "Receiving the Sir Michael Uren Prize is a tremendous honour and validates the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing global health challenges."

The Sir Michael Uren Prize acknowledges Bethan's exceptional academic achievements but also supports her future endeavours in epidemiological research. With the prize funding, Bethan plans to continue her research as a postdoctoral researcher at Imperial, focusing on dengue and other arboviruses.

She aims to further explore the relationship between antibodies and dengue protection, while also conducting modelling workshops in dengue-affected regions to optimise vaccine rollout strategies. Her initiative includes collaborating directly with stakeholders in these countries, communicating research findings to policymakers, and refining modelling tools developed by her research group.

Reflecting on the significance of the prize, Professor Mary Ryan, Vice-Provost (Research and Enterprise) remarked, "Bethan's achievement exemplifies the calibre of talent at Imperial and highlights the transformative impact of interdisciplinary research in addressing global health challenges."

In a conversation with Bethan, she expressed gratitude for the support of her supervisors, colleagues, and loved ones throughout her journey, while emphasising the importance of collaborative research and effective science communication in driving meaningful change.

As Bethan continues to make strides in epidemiological science, her work promises to have a lasting impact on global health outcomes.