Honorary Professor Raja Mukherjee awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours
Professor Raja Mukherjee, Consultant Psychiatrist at Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and Honorary Professor at the University of Salford, has been awarded an MBE for services to people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
FASD, a condition caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, leads to lifelong difficulties. University of Salford research carried out in partnership with Raja has demonstrated that the condition is common, affecting 2-4% of children.
Raja is a key member of the FASD research team based at the university and has worked tirelessly to ensure that FASD is now recognised as a significant issue.
Raja, who is originally from Salford, acknowledges that the decade-long collaboration with the university has been a significant part of his journey: “Without the team at Salford to work with, especially my friend and collaborator Professor Penny Cook, many of my ideas and questions that required a structured research approach would not have been achievable. Together we have formed a strong team to answer some of the fundamental questions and continue to work together, growing the team and developing the evidence base to improve the lives of people with FASD.”
The partnership with Raja has led to numerous publications, significant research grants, successful PhD completions, and, most importantly, direct impact in the lives of people affected by FASD.
Professor Penny Cook, Associate Dean: Research and Innovation for the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford said: “We were delighted to hear this news and congratulate Raja on this major achievement. He is the “go to” FASD expert in the UK and our key collaborator. Together, we have built the biggest FASD research team in the UK. We look forward to continuing to push this important research agenda forward.”
In 2021 the university awarded Raja with the title of Honorary Professor in recognition of his significant research track record and his valued contribution to the work of the university.
Picture caption: A few members of the FASD research team with Professor Raja Mukherjee (second from right). Also pictured are (L to R) Robyn McCarthy, Dr Alan Price, Professor Penny Cook and Dr David Junior Gilbert.
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