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Leeds Beckett appoints dementia research Professor
Dr Surr will join Leeds Beckett in February 2015 from the University of Bradford, where she is currently Reader in Dementia Studies.
Her expertise is in the area of applied dementia research, education and knowledge transfer. She has held a variety of academic positions within the University of Bradford and her portfolio of work has included leading the development of high quality, sustainable distance learning courses in Dementia Studies; the development of an observational tool for use by regulatory bodies in collaboration with the Care Quality Commission (CQC); and the creation of a workforce development programme for Bupa Care Services, which has been rolled out to over 11,000 staff nationally.
Dr Surr is currently leading a number of research projects, most notably a £2.4 million National Institute for Health Research (NIHR)-funded study examining the effectiveness of a programme designed to improve the quality of care for people with dementia in care homes. Claire was awarded a Higher Education Academy (HEA) National Teaching Fellowship in 2014 for her innovative teaching and learning approaches and educational leadership in the field of dementia care.
Dr Surr commented: “I am extremely excited to be joining Leeds Beckett University. It will provide a fantastic opportunity to develop a programme of applied dementia research that will complement and build upon the existing portfolio of applied research in health and wellbeing within the Institute. Most importantly, this will be research that will directly benefit people living with dementia, their families and those who provide care.”
Professor Ieuan Ellis, Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, added: “I am delighted that Dr Claire Surr will be joining our Institute for Health and Wellbeing, bringing very significant expertise in applied dementia research. The scale of the health and societal challenges posed by the growing population of people with dementia make this a priority area for applied research and education.
“Claire has an outstanding track record of research and knowledge transfer activity that make a real difference to peoples' lives. She will provide a valued addition to our existing applied research in health and wellbeing."