Belated award presentation by Dr Richard Fallon, boss of the Innovation Awards
World-leading immunology and diagnostics expert Professor Alex Richter was this week presented with her 2025 “Female Innovator of the Year” award.
Her Innovation Awards trophy was handed over by Dr Richard Fallon when he visited Prof Richter’s Clinical Immunology Services (CIS) base in the No.1 BHIC building on the Birmingham Health Innovation Campus.
The belated moment came after Prof Richter was unable to attend the 2025 awards night in November.
Fallon, attired in his signature three-piece suit and two fob watches, took the chance to publicise the 2026 Innovation Awards.
“If you would like to take part in the 2026 Innovation Awards, then you are invited to join us for the launch from 5.30 to 7 pm on Monday February 2nd at Hotel du Vin Birmingham,” he said.
“You can reserve your place here: https://lnkd.in/eSE-dHgS“
Prof Richter, of the University of Birmingham, leads the CIS, 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 in November, 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.”
Fallon, CEO of the Technology Supply Chain (TSC) membership organisation, which runs the annual Innovation Awards, said in Novmember: “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.
