An inspirational health worker has been awarded a prestigious fellowship – becoming one of only two people to be recognised recipients in the country.
Alice Franklin, senior specialist physiotherapist, was awarded the Tessa Jowell Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Research Fellowship.
The initiative is the UK’s first national programme dedicated to AHP-led research in neuro-oncology.
Established by the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission (TJBCM) with investment from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in June 2025, the fellowships mark a pivotal step in strengthening brain tumour care across the UK.
Alice said: “I am delighted to have been awarded a three-year research fellowship from the National Institute for Health and Care Research jointly with the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission.
I feel privileged to have such an incredible opportunity to conduct research that is directly linked with improving patient experience. I am really looking forward to working with my experienced supervisory and mentorship team – between Teesside University, University of York, Academic Centre for Surgery at South Tees Hospitals and the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission.
“I hope to grow these relationships and partnerships across these institutions throughout my fellowship.”
People living with brain tumours face profound physical and psychological challenges, yet rehabilitation and supportive care remain under-researched and inconsistent across the UK.
The fellowships aim to address this by equipping AHPs with the skills, confidence and protected time to lead high-quality applied research in neuro-oncology.
This is awarded following a highly competitive, national and deliberately developmental application process, supported by a committee with expertise across neuro-oncology, allied health practice, research and lived experience.