Public voting is now open for the NR Times Awards rehab leader of the year, giving you the chance to recognise someone making a difference in neuro and spinal rehabilitation.
This award celebrates those whose leadership, contribution, commitment and compassion have helped move the sector forward.
Sponsored by Cygnet, the category is decided by a public vote.
About the sponsor
Cygnet was established in 1988.
Since then we have developed a wide range of health and social care services for young people and adults with mental health needs, acquired brain injuries, eating disorders, autism and learning disabilities within the UK.
As a national care provider, with a network of professional, high-quality services across the UK, we are able to offer solutions and work in partnership with the NHS, ICBs and local authorities to provide much-needed services including emergency and planned admissions, as well as community-based care.
Following the close of nominations on October 30, three nominees are in the running, representing leadership across clinical services, technology and therapy:
Miriam Duffy, director, National Rehabilitation Centre
Miriam has helped bring the National Rehabilitation Centre from an ambitious vision into a clinical service, which welcomed its first patients in September 2026.
A physiotherapist specialising in neurological rehabilitation, she has championed care that puts independence and quality of life at its heart.
Her work on the NRC has encompassed funding, delivery and service development, bringing together clinical care, research, innovation and education.
Dave Marver, CEO, ONWARD Medical
Dave has led ONWARD Medical’s work to translate spinal cord stimulation research into technology designed to improve function and independence for people with spinal cord injuries.
Among its developments is the ARC-EX System, which combines electrical stimulation delivered through the skin with functional task practice to improve hand sensation and strength. The company is also progressing research into implantable stimulation and brain-computer interfaces.
Elizabeth Nightingale, founder and director, Nightingale NMT
Elizabeth’s work as a Neurologic Music Therapy therapist spans clinical care, service development, education and advocacy for people with brain injury.
Since 2017, she has coordinated the establishment of 10 NHS NMT pilots and services, gathering evidence to support continued funding and improve access.
Alongside her clinical work, she supports international practitioners and campaigns for better brain injury services.
In the past year, she has trained more than 250 speech and language therapists across 10 countries.
Make your vote count
Each nominee brings a different perspective to rehabilitation, with a shared focus on improving what is possible for the people who need it.
Now it is your opportunity to help recognise that contribution. Whether you work in rehabilitation, have experienced its impact personally or support someone through recovery, you can have your say.
Read the nominees’ full profiles and choose your rehab leader of the year by November 27.
The winner will be revealed at a virtual event on December 2.
