04 September 2009

Sheffield academic scoops prestigious international award

An academic from the University of Sheffield has received a prestigious World Federation of Neurological Societies (WFNS) Young Neurosurgeon Award, for his outstanding contribution to the field of medical research.

Dr Pankaj Singh, a Clinical Research Fellow from the University of Sheffield´s Department of Cardiovascular Science and Department of Neurosurgery, at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield, received the award at the XIV World Congress of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) was held in Boston, Massachusetts, USA on 30 August 2009.

Dr Singh received the $1,500 award along with four other young neurosurgeons that have been selected from across the world by a committee of eminent neurosurgeons from different countries.

Dr Singh is leading a component of a multidisciplinary European project funded by the European Commission, which brings together neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, epidemiologists, engineers, biologists and computer scientists from 32 European institutions.

The @neurIST project is looking into the factors behind the rupture of the bulges in blood vessels of the brain. These bulges, known as brain aneurysms, can sometimes rupture, resulting in death or severe disablement in half of the unfortunate patients in which this event occurs, despite the provision of the best possible medical care. The research uses computer generated three dimensional models of the brain, to shed light on the causes of this disease, with the aim of improving the diagnosis and treatment of the disease in the future.

Dr Singh said: "I am delighted to receive this award for my work, which I hope will provide further insights into a condition that is currently poorly understood. This award is going to be a big milestone in my career, as this is one of the most prestigious awards one can get at my level as a young neurosurgeon. It is a good feeling to see my work being recognised world over and I really enjoyed attending the congress in the USA."

Dr Rod Hose, Senior Lecturer in the University´s School of Medicine and Biomedical Science and principal investigator in Sheffield for the @neurIST project, said: "I am delighted that Dr Singh´s work has been recognised by this important award. It exemplifies the benefits of close liaison between clinician and physical and engineering scientists. This award is a great mark of achievement for Dr Singh, whose contribution has been of immense value to the project."