Leicester Professor wins Sir Paul Curran Award for public writing on empathy research

Professor Jeremy Howick, a researcher at the University of Leicester, has been awarded the prestigious Sir Paul Curran Award by The Conversation.

The award recognises excellence in communicating academic research to a global public audience.

Professor Howick received the award for his widely read articles in The Conversation, which translate his research on empathy into accessible insights for the public, highlighting how empathy can improve healthcare experiences and outcomes.

The award is named in honour of Sir Paul Curran, a strong advocate for the role of universities in public life and a champion of accessible, high-quality research communication. The accolade celebrates academics whose writing exemplifies clarity, rigour and meaningful public impact.

The Conversation, an independent, not-for-profit media outlet that publishes news and analysis written by academics, established the award to highlight the importance of bridging the gap between scholarly research and wider society.

Speaking about the recognition, Professor Howick said: “It means a great deal - not just as personal recognition - but as a  statement that rigorous academic work and genuine public engagement can and should go hand in hand. Healthcare research only fulfils its potential when it reaches and influences the people it is ultimately about. This award is a wonderful reminder of that.”

He also reflected on how the award will shape future work, adding: “I hope it will encourage my team and our students to invest in public communication as part of their research practice - not as an afterthought - but as something they value from the start as well as shining a light on the Stoneygate Centre for Empathic Healthcare more broadly. The work we are doing on evidence-based empathy is genuinely important, and any platform that helps us share it further is very welcome.”

The Sir Paul Curran Award is one of The Conversation’s highest honours, celebrating contributors whose work not only informs but also engages broad audiences on critical issues. Winners are selected for their ability to translate complex academic insights - such as Professor Howick’s research on empathy - into clear, accessible and impactful journalism.

By recognising work that connects research with real-world understanding, the award underscores the growing importance of public scholarship in addressing global challenges—particularly in healthcare, where communication and empathy can directly influence outcomes.