World-leading immunology and diagnostics expert Professor Alex Richter was tonight named “Female Innovator of the Year” at the 2025 Innovation Awards.
Prof Richter, of the University of Birmingham, leads the Clinical Immunology Services, delivering innovative diagnostics for 135 NHS Trusts and national trials.
The prestigious accolade was announced after a year-long process of voting and judging at a finale awards dinner attended by 500 people at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
‘Spotlight on diagnostics as an area for progress and innovation‘
Prof Richter, reacting to the news of her win, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It shines a spotlight on diagnostics as a necessary area for progress and innovation in the UK. I’m, delighted as a woman, to be seen to be advancing translational science and I hope that will encourage more women into the field.
“And for my organisation, the Clinical Immunology Services, that’s moving into the new Birmingham Health Innovation Campus, I hope this shines a spotlight on the Birmingham ecosystem with how we support life sciences.”
Prof Richter drives a UK and global pipeline of diagnostic innovation, including remote immune response testing and point-of-care diabetes screening.
Led the first In-Vitro Diagnostics Innovation and Adoption Conference
As diagnostics lead for the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator, she spearheaded the first In-Vitro Diagnostics Innovation and Adoption Conference. Her pioneering work continues to shape the future of immunology and inspire the next generation of female scientists.
Better for patients, cheaper to deliver and more eco-friendly
Prof Richter added: “We’re making tests that enable diagnoses to be closer to people and closer to communities. This doesn’t just improve patient care and improve clinical outcomes, but it’s cheaper for patients and environmentally, this is much better for patients too.”
Dr Richard Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC) membership organisation, which runs the annual Innovation Awards, said: “Congratulations to Professor Alex Richter. We had more entries than ever before this year, and the competition for each category was stronger than it’s ever been.
“Each winner can be justifiably proud and can look forward to ongoing support from the 5,000-member TSC network as they chart their course to future success.”
Innovation Awards are open to individuals, businesses and organisations across the UK
The Innovation Awards recognise, celebrate and reward the businesses, organisations and individuals who are dedicated to innovation.
The awards are open to innovative individuals, businesses and organisations – including universities, local councils and catapults – based in the UK.
