King’s Consultant Physiotherapist wins national research leadership prize
28 August 2026 - Congratulations to Dr Charles Reilly
Dr Charles Reilly, Consultant Physiotherapist in Chronic Respiratory Disease at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, has been awarded the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Rising Research Leaders Prize (NIHR20).
This prize celebrates 20 outstanding rising research leaders who go above and beyond to advance the mission of the NIHR, with a particular focus on innovative and inclusive ways of delivering research impact.
Dr Reilly was recognised for his commitment to developing and testing interventions for people living with chronic breathlessness. The award also highlighted Dr Reilly’s commitment to collaborating with people with lived experience as a patient, carer, or relative, championing research inclusion, and for building effective partnerships and collaborations.
As part of the award, winners receive a £10,000 prize (paid to the Trust), for bespoke professional and leadership development support, in addition to formal recognition at the NIHR Academy Conference in October.
Commenting on this achievement, Dr Reilly said: “I am honoured to receive the NIHR Rising Research Leaders Prize, and recognition of the contribution I have made via research to improve care and outcomes for those living with chronic breathlessness due to advanced respiratory disease.
“The award will provide valuable opportunities to further develop my leadership skills and strengthen the partnerships needed to translate research into real-world benefit.
“As a clinical academic physiotherapist, I am particularly proud that this award recognises the growing contribution of allied health professional-led research to improving care and outcomes for patients and families.
“I hope to use this opportunity to continue driving innovation in breathlessness research while supporting and mentoring the next generation of research-active allied health professionals.”
Frankie Northfield, Head of Physiotherapy at King’s, added: “Charles is a great ambassador for the physiotherapy profession, demonstrating the significant impact that allied health professional-led research can have on patients and communities, particularly by ensuring that research is shaped with – and for – the people it aims to serve.
“In physiotherapy at King’s, we are incredibly proud of his success and draw inspiration from it across the team to develop other research leaders of the future.
“Having had the privilege of watching Charles’ research career evolve over the years, I am personally thrilled to see his hard work recognised on a national stage.”