Each year, The Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) shines a spotlight on inspiring women across the region through its annual #NorthInnovationWomen list. The 2026 list highlights more than 500 women who are pushing the boundaries of innovation within their sectors and fields.

This year’s list proudly includes Fuse leads:

• Professor Amelia Lake, Deputy Director of Fuse, Teesside University
• Professor Charlotte Clarke, Fuse Strategic Lead, Durham University
• Professor Clare Bambra, Fuse Senior Investigator, Newcastle University
• Professor Sonia Dalkin, Fuse Research Lead, Northumbria University

As part of the campaign, four innovative women from Fuse based at Teesside University, including Professor Amelia Lake, have shared their experiences, career journeys, and inspirations. Their video stories can be viewed here.

Fuse members included in the 2026 #NorthInnovationWomen list:

• Eman Zied Abozied, Research Associate, Newcastle University
• Michelle Addison, Associate Professor of Criminology, Durham University
• Professor Nasima Akhter, Associate Professor, Teesside University
• Professor Clare Bambra, Professor of Public Health, Newcastle University
• Angela Bate, Professor of Health Economics, Northumbria University
• Dr Ruth Boocock, Associate Professor, Teesside University
• Heather Brown, Professor of Health Inequalities, Lancaster University
• Andrea Burrows, Public Health Researcher, Teesside University
• Professor Charlotte Clarke, Executive Dean, Durham University
• Professor Sonia Dalkin, Professor in Applied Health and Social Care, Northumbria University
• Professor Greta Defeyter OBE, Dean and Professor of Developmental Psychology, Northumbria University
• Joanne Gray, Professor in Health Economics, Northumbria University
• Professor Amelia Lake, Deputy Director of Fuse, Teesside University
• Monique Lhussier, Director of the Centre for Health and Social Equity, Northumbria University
• Dr Helen Moore, Associate Professor, Teesside University
• Claire O'Malley, Research Associate, Teesside University
• Julija Simpson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Newcastle University
• Gemma Spiers, Principal Research Associate, Newcastle University
• Gemma Wilson‑Menzfeld, Associate Professor of Digital Health and Health Psychologist, Northumbria University.

Now in its ninth year, the #NorthInnovationWomen campaign provides an informal and supportive platform to celebrate women who are achieving remarkable things across the North of England. Nominations are submitted by social media followers, highlighting women who inspire those around them through their work and leadership.

Hannah Davies, NHSA Chief Executive, said: “Receiving over 500 entries is an incredible response and a real testament to the passion, talent and dedication of women across the North. As we mark International Women’s Day, it’s inspiring to see so many voices coming forward to share their work, experiences and achievements. Celebrating these contributions is an important reminder of the impact women are making in their workplaces and communities every day.”

International Women’s Day, marked annually on 8 March, is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating gender equality.

See all #NorthInnovationWomen named on this year’s list here.