Celebrating our Fuse Award winners 2025

The Fuse Awards returned this year with a vibrant celebration of the people and projects driving forward public health research across the North East and North Cumbria.

Showcasing excellence in public involvement and engagement, communication, and translational research, the awards honoured individuals and teams whose collaborative, creative, and inclusive approaches are shaping the future of health and care in the region.

A judging panel made up of Fuse public partners, staff, and colleagues from practice and policy carefully reviewed all nominations. The standard was exceptionally high, and the judges faced tough decisions across every category. Shortlisted nominees were invited to a lively celebration event, where their achievements were recognised among peers, partners, and supporters.

"The Fuse Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the inspiring work happening across our region in public health research," said Professor Sheena Ramsay, Director of Fuse. "Every nominee and winner represents the values at the heart of Fuse - collaboration, creativity and a commitment to involving communities in meaningful ways.

"The standard of entries was incredibly high, and the shortlisted projects were all outstanding in their own right. It was a real joy to come together and celebrate the people and partnerships driving change and making a real impact on health and wellbeing across the North East and North Cumbria."

Fuse Award winners and finalists 2025

2025 Fuse Award Winners

Excellence in Public Involvement and Engagement

Felicity Shenton, Public Involvement and Community Engagement Manager at NIHR ARC North East and North Cumbria (NENC), was recognised for her outstanding leadership in inclusive research practices. Fizz co-developed the NENC Peer Research Community of Practice in collaboration with Fuse, engaging more than 200 participants across seven events and introduced creative methods such as Lego and drawing to make engagement more accessible. She also established both a Public Advisory Network and a Young Public Advisory Network, driving regional best practice in public involvement.

Felicity Shenton (right) received the award from Pamela Graham, Co-Chair of the Fuse Public Involvement and Engagement Group, Northumbria University

Innovative and Creative Communications

The Twinkle Twinkle Arti team - including Cassey Muir, Ruth McGovern, Debbie Smart (Newcastle University); Josie Brookes (illustrator); Danielle Slade (author); and public contributors - won for their heartfelt and innovative storytelling project. Based on Cassey Muir’s PhD research and the SafeSpace project, the team co-produced a children’s storybook for families affected by parental substance use. With 650 printed copies, over 5,000 digital downloads, and 23,600+ video views, the project has reached national and international audiences and continues to grow through a Welsh language adaptation and creative performances.

The Twinkle Twinkle Arti team receiving their award from Professor Carolyn Summerbell, Fuse Associate Director at Durham University and former Deputy Director of Fuse

Outstanding Translational Research Initiative

The award went to the Sunderland Plus Project Evaluation team - Kat Jackson, Emma-Joy Holland, Liz Titchener (Newcastle University), and Sarah Schonewald (Recovery Connections). Their research directly informed the design and delivery of a mobile health bus for underserved communities facing substance use, mental ill-health, and homelessness. Working across sectors, the team embedded lived experience into every stage of the project, ensuring the service met real community needs.

The Sunderland Plus Project Evaluation awarded by Professor Ashley Adamson (right), former Fuse Director, Newcastle University

Rising Star Award

Neha Jain, Pre-doctoral Fellow with the NIHR School for Public Health Research, was celebrated as an emerging leader in public health research. With a background in dentistry, Neha has already shaped policy discussions at national and international levels. Her recent work includes policy briefs on tobacco and alcohol, and collaborative efforts to improve oral health for children with learning disabilities.

Neha Jain received the Rising Star award from Professor Brian Ferguson, Director of the NIHR Public Health Research Programme

A celebration of collaboration and impact

The awards ceremony was part of a wider afternoon event celebrating Fuse’s achievements over the past 18 months. After lunch and networking, attendees were welcomed by Professor Ramsay, who also paid tribute to past colleagues who helped shape Fuse - including former Director Professor Ashley Adamson and Centre Manager Laura Ritson.

Fuse Director: Professor Sheena Ramsay welcoming attendees

Keynote speaker Professor Brian Ferguson, Director of NIHR’s Public Health Research Programme, spoke about developments in public engagement and data use across the health and care system. He emphasised the importance of demonstrating and communicating impact in the region.

Keynote speaker: Professor Brian Ferguson, Director of NIHR’s Public Health Research Programme

A session of highlights followed, showcasing Fuse’s work in communications, public involvement, and its responsive research support service AskFuse. The award ceremony itself was led by Fuse Deputy Director Professor Amelia Lake, with leaders from academia and practice unveiling and awarding the winners.

Creativity, community, and what's next

As part of the celebration, attendees took part in a traditional Romany paper flower making session, led by Roseann Black (Northumbria University) and Nat Forster (co-lead of the Fuse Health Inequalities Research Cluster). The activity reflected Fuse’s strong tradition of creative communication and inclusive engagement.

The session also highlighted ongoing work within the Fuse Health Inequalities Research Cluster and marked Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month. It offered a moment for reflection, connection and creativity, echoing Fuse’s commitment to exploring new ways of engaging communities through research.

Creating and connecting during the Romany paper flower making

Participants reflected on Fuse’s values by contributing to a live word cloud, answering the question: "What does Fuse mean to you in three words?" - with collaboration, community, and creativity coming out strongly.

Professor Ramsay closed the event by outlining future priorities and opportunities and encouraging everyone to continue the conversation and to become a member of Fuse.

Stay Connected

To continue the conversation online please use #FuseAwards25 and follow Fuse on social media platforms:

• X/Twitter: @fuse_online

• Bluesky: @fuseonline.bsky.social

• LinkedIn: Fuse – The Centre for Translational Research in Public Health

Last modified: Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:18:31 BST