SSCR Director awarded CBE for contributions to social care research

SSCR Director awarded CBE for contributions to social care research

The NIHR School for Social Care Research’s Director has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List 2022 for outstanding contributions to social care.

Professor Martin Knapp was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services for social care research. 

Martin has directed the School since 2009. He is Professor of Health and Social Care Policy at the Department of Health Policy and a Professorial Research Fellow at the Care Policy and Evaluation Centre (CPEC) at the LSE. Martin’s research interests are in the areas of social care, child and adult mental health, dementia and autism. Much of his work uses economic arguments and evidence to inform policy discussion and influence practice development.

Martin said:

“I am delighted and honoured (in both senses) to have this recognition for our research at the NIHR and LSE. Social care faces huge and increasing challenges today; our research tries to find ways to improve the lives of people who are often in very difficult situations.

“The award also recognises the achievements by the NIHR School for Social Care Research, which we have been leading from LSE since it was established in 2009. The School brings together seven research centres across England to support developments in adult social care as part of NIHR’s strategic investment in this area.

“As a national researcher-led large investment in social care research (£51 million since 2009), SSCR is, I think, unique across the world and continues to play a central role in championing and shaping social care research through NIHR.”

Commenting on Martin’s award, Professor Lucy Chappell, CEO of the NIHR, said:

“We’re delighted for Martin to be recognised for his outstanding contribution to social care. It’s a richly deserved reward for his work in bringing research and evidence into social care, an issue which affects the lives of nearly everyone and which is more important than ever.

“His work is making a meaningful difference to people’s lives throughout the UK and beyond, and I am in no doubt that it will have a lasting impact for years to come.”

Professor Yvonne Birks, SSCR Deputy Director, said:

“On behalf of everyone within SSCR, I would like to congratulate Martin on his CBE and this well deserved recognition in the Queen’s New Year Honours List. Martin has made outstanding contributions to social care research over many years; in addition to his own research, he has and continues to make huge efforts to build capacity for social care research. Martin’s leadership of SSCR has led to increased opportunities for social care research and he has been a leading advocate for the implementation of evidence into social care policy and practice.

Martin’s colleagues in SSCR are delighted he has received this award in recognition of his many research and strategic activities and his longstanding commitment to and effectiveness in raising the profile of research in social care.”

Many congratulations to Martin on this achievement.

View NIHR news

View LSE news

Monday, January 10th, 2022

Other news

15 doctoral studentships available focusing on dementia-related practice Funding


27 February 2024

15 doctoral studentships available focusing on dementia-related practice

The NIHR Three Schools' Dementia Research Programme is offering 15 doctoral studentships to start in October 2024 across a range...

Supporting older people’s care moves Blog post


23 February 2024

Supporting older people’s care moves

Transitions between care settings: how evidence-based resources can help

Food and drink in later life: the role of homecare Blog post


21 February 2024

Food and drink in later life: the role of homecare

What is the role of homecare in tackling undernourishment in older adults?

Exploring the benefits of music in care homes Blog post


19 December 2023

Exploring the benefits of music in care homes

How care home residents and staff can benefit from music-making

Data-Driven Decision-Making in Homelessness Services Blog post


14 December 2023

Data-Driven Decision-Making in Homelessness Services

How can choice modelling provide better services for people experiencing homelessness?

New projects to support research impact, involvement and capacity-building News


25 October 2023

New projects to support research impact, involvement and capacity-building

Eighteen small-scale awards to support research impact, involvement and capacity-building.

Highlighting NIHR SSCR research News


10 October 2023

Highlighting NIHR SSCR research

World Mental Health Day: Highlighting research underway to support developments in mental health social care in England.

Funding of £10 million for prevention research News


4 October 2023

Funding of £10 million for prevention research

NIHR Three Research Schools awarded £10 million to deliver programme of prevention research.

‘What’s your 10 minutes of Britney Spears?’ The key to a flourishing life Blog post


4 October 2023

‘What’s your 10 minutes of Britney Spears?’ The key to a flourishing life

Finding the key to a flourishing life: applying a Capability Approach to social care

NIHR announces Research Support Service News


18 July 2023

NIHR announces Research Support Service

New NIHR Research Support Service to provide application support for researchers.

New Catalogue of Social Care Data News


13 April 2023

New Catalogue of Social Care Data

First fully comprehensive catalogue of social care data launched.

Supporting A Charter for Social Work Research in Adult Social Care News


20 February 2023

Supporting A Charter for Social Work Research in Adult Social Care

NIHR SSCR joins with other organisations to support A Charter for Social Work Research in Adult Social Care.