Professor Smyth was one of 28 shortlisted finalists hailing from all four nations across the UK.

Professor Smyth is currently Dean and Head of the School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences at Queen’s University. His research focuses on the safety and efficacy of cystic fibrosis treatments, to allow clinicians to make the best treatment decisions in partnership with their patients.

He is also a member of the Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis Group, which is an enthusiastic team of people who are interested in producing high quality systematic reviews of interventions relating to the care of people with cystic fibrosis, and to their families.

Commenting on this recognition, Professor Smyth said: “I am absolutely delighted to receive the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Outstanding Clinical Researcher Award on the 60th anniversary of the Trust. It is a privilege to work in partnership with clinicians and patients to bring about practical improvements in the care of people with cystic fibrosis, through research!”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “Following a major structural change to the way Cochrane was funded, most UK Cochrane Centres closed. Alan had the vision to keep things going - identifying funders and adapting the organisation. Soon we will have multiple competing therapies which address the basic defect in cystic fibrosis – the only way to choose between these is via impartial, well conducted evidence synthesis.

“The leadership, energy, and foresight which Alan has demonstrated in continuing Cochrane Cystic Fibrosis is of huge significance. Working in partnership with Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Alan also spearheaded a recent global project to identify the most important research priorities for people living with cystic fibrosis. This pioneering project raised the profile of the needs of the cystic fibrosis community, ensuring the cystic fibrosis community voice is at the very centre of research funding decisions.”