Published on 14 May 2020
Professor Catherine Hayes takes on a new key role assessing the best scientists from across the globe to ensure they’re at the top of their profession in podiatric medicine.
The National Science Council says Chartered Scientists “represent the best professional scientists working in the UK and abroad. They demonstrate effective leadership, using their specialist knowledge and broader scientific understanding to develop and improve the application of science and technology”.
Chartership as a scientist recognises high levels of skill and experience and must maintain their status through continuing professional development (CPD) each year.
Catherine Hayes, Professor of Health Professions Pedagogy and Scholarship in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, has recently been appointed by the National Science Council as an assessor of applicants who are registered by the College of Podiatry in London.
Undertaking training later this month for the new role, Catherine says: “Being able to fulfil this role is not only a means of serving the profession of Podiatric Medicine, it is also an opportunity to advocate for women in science and to shape and encourage all allied health professions to move towards accreditation with the National Science Council.
“At the University of Sunderland, we represent the very best of professionalism across medical and healthcare disciplines and especially during this national Pandemic, it is humbling to be able to play such a small role in the formal assessment of applications.”
She added: “One of the most exciting parts of Chartered Scientist status is the capacity and capability it builds within and between professional disciplines, which due to the parameters of professional practice often appear quite different. It sounds a cliché but in terms of our commitment optimally serving society we share a common goal. I am really looking forward to meeting and working with new colleagues from across the UK and from across so many other representative disciplines.
“Most importantly it is great to represent both the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing and the wider institution in undertaking such an important role with the National Science Council.”
Applicants for the award of Chartered Scientist status need to demonstrate their competence across five areas by providing examples from their working life, usually within the last five years. They are registrants of the health and science regulatory bodies from across the UK and they also need to provide professional references that can vouch for their specialist knowledge and experience. They are then formally assessed, against stringent criteria.
The appointment is just one of a number of accolades Catherine has achieved in recent years. Last year she was appointed Secretary of the Executive Board of the International Federation of National Teaching Fellows (IFNTF).
In 2017 she was awarded Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in recognition of her continued impact in learning and teaching nationally and internationally. The accolade came just weeks after the HEA also announced her as one of 55 new National Teaching Fellows for her outstanding impact on student learning and the teaching profession in higher education.
Professor Tony Alabaster, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing, said: “Catherine’s role with the National Science Council, alongside all her other achievements, is fantastic news and once again much deserved.
“She is a dedicated academic who has made a significant contribution to our Faculty and wider University, she continues to inspire all those around her through her innovative research and invaluable pedagogic practice.
“This recognition also continues to show the excellent learning and teaching by our staff across our University.”