The University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHL Group), formerly known as Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, is celebrating national recognition after a major COVID-19 research collaboration won the 'Public Sector Innovation Award' at the prestigious Prix Galien UK Awards.
The winning entry, ‘Liverpool’s COVID-19 Trio: ISARIC (Clinical Characterisation), SMART (Testing) and AGILE (Trials)’, highlights a vital partnership between the UHL Group and the University of Liverpool (UoL). Together, teams delivered vital research at pace, improving understanding of COVID-19 and shaping patient care in the UK and beyond.
The 2026 ceremony, held at the Natural History Museum, London, brought together leading figures from across life sciences, with strong Liverpool representation throughout, including Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed, Prix Galien UK committee chair and honorary consultant at the UHL Group, who opened the event.
Photo caption : Professor Sir Munir Pirmohamed
(Photo credit Prix Galien UK Awards)
The AGILE study was delivered during exceptionally challenging conditions by UoL researchers based at the UHL Group, through the NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Liverpool and the Department for Infectious Diseases.
Photo caption R-L: Professor Saye Khoo and Professor Richard FitzGerald with collaboration partners
(Photo credit Prix Galien UK Awards)
Professor Richard Fitzgerald, Director of the NIHR Clinical Research Facility: Liverpool and Consultant in Infectious Diseases, said: “This award recognises what can be achieved when clinical teams and academic partners work side by side with a shared purpose.
“Delivering research at pace during the pandemic required extraordinary commitment from our staff and we are incredibly proud to see that effort recognised on a national scale.
“It reflects the resilience, expertise and dedication of teams across the Group who made this possible.”
Professor Saye Khoo, Director of the Centre for Experimental Therapeutics (TherEx) and honorary consultant in Infectious Diseases at the UHL Group, added: “Faced with an unprecedented challenge, Liverpool researchers responded with innovation, determination and an unwavering belief that science was only solution to tackling an unknown virus.
“To see this work recognised through this award is a proud moment for everyone involved and a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration across Liverpool.”
This award recognises the dedication of staff, patients and partners across Liverpool.
The Prix Galien is a well-known and respected award in the world of medicine and drug development. It brings together experts from healthcare, science, and the pharmaceutical industry. Often described as the “Nobel Prize” of medicine development, it celebrates some of the most important advances in medicines and treatments.