Latest news with #OutstandingContribution
Business Wire
04-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
DIA to Celebrate 9 Life Sciences Leaders at DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting in Washington
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- DIA, a global non-profit organization of life sciences professionals, will induct four Fellows of DIA and recognize six recipients of Global Inspire Awards and America's Inspire Awards on June 15 as part of the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting — including Emer Cooke, Executive Director of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), who is receiving both honors. Fellows of DIA are long-serving members recognized for their sustained dedication to advancing healthcare. The Global Inspire Awards recognize honorees who have made outstanding improvements to global health while adhering to DIA's mission. "These distinguished individuals have made enduring contributions to the life sciences reflecting DIA's values and purpose," said Marwan Fathallah, DIA's President and Chief Executive Officer. "Their work in regulatory science, research, and global collaboration exemplifies the spirit of innovation that drives our mission forward." Cooke has been the EMA's Executive Director and the Chair of the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) since November 2020. She has more than 30 years of experience in international regulatory affairs, including four years as the director responsible for medical product-related regulatory activities at the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Robert M. Califf, who served as the Commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from February 2016 to January 2017 and February 2022 to January 2025, is also being recognized as a Fellow of DIA. A nationally recognized expert in cardiovascular medicine and health outcomes research, he has led many landmark clinical trials and is one of the most frequently cited authors in biomedical science. Dr. Califf became a Member of the National Academy of Medicine in 2016. Dr. Michael Rosenblatt and Dr. Hironobu Saito are also being named Fellows of DIA. Rosenblatt, a Senior Partner at Flagship Pioneering and the Immediate Past Chair of DIA's Board of Directors, has advanced biopharmaceutical research and development throughout his career. He was previously Merck's Chief Medical Officer and the Dean of the Tufts University School of Medicine. Saito, a Specially Appointed Professor at Tottori University's Chromosome Engineering Research Center, spent 35 years in drug development at Daiichi Sankyo and has contributed to DIA Japan for more than two decades. In addition to Cooke, who will be presented with the Global Award for Outstanding Contribution to Health, six members of the health and life sciences community will receive Global Inspire Awards: — Kazumichi Kobayashi, Executive Deputy President at Otsuka Medical Device, will be honored with the Global Connector Award for advancing DIA's mission and promoting global collaborations. Kobayashi, who has served in various senior positions in research and development at Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., previously led DIA Japan and chaired the DIA Advisory Council of Japan. — Cary Smithson will receive the Community Engagement Award as a DIA Community Chair who consistently drives engagement while advancing knowledge and thought leadership. Smithson, a Managing Partner at LeapAhead Solutions, leads DIA's Regulatory Affairs Community and Regulatory Information Management (RIM) Intelligent Automation Team, and co-leads its RIM Working Group. —Jennifer B. Christian will be named the Author of the Year, an award given to individuals whose article made the greatest impact on readership based on the number of downloads reported by Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science (TIRS) in the preceding issue year. Her article, co-authored with Mehmet Burcu, Cyntia B. Manzano-Salgado, Anne M. Butler, "A Framework for Extension Studies Using Real-World Data to Examine Long-Term Safety and Effectiveness," was downloaded more than 12,400 times. Global Inspire Award recipients, except for the Author of the Year, must be nominated by two active DIA members to be considered candidates. They undergo a thorough review process before a committee of Fellows of DIA selects the winners. DIA will also recognize the regional Inspire Awards winners from the Americas: — David Fryrear, Chief Quality Officer at Astellas Pharma, will receive the Excellence in Service Award as a DIA volunteer who has significantly contributed to the advancement of the organization's mission. He previously held senior roles at AbbVie and Eli Lilly and Company and spent much of his career developing and improving quality systems. — Elma Abdulbaki, a PharmD student at the University of Illinois at Chicago and President of the DIA National Student Board, will be honored with the Leader of Tomorrow Award for her outstanding contributions as a young professional in the healthcare field. In addition to these awards and recognitions, there will be a performance by Grammy-nominated artist and songwriter Aloe Blacc. Renowned physician, epidemiologist, and global health leader Dr. Larry Brilliant will keynote at the event. Tickets for the awards ceremony are available to the public for the first time and can be purchased by clicking here. These honors will be presented in conjunction with the DIA 2025 Global Annual Meeting, the world's preeminent multidisciplinary life sciences forum held June 15-19 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington. Click here to register or view the DIA 2025 event program. Media members may request credentials by emailing diaglobal@ About DIA DIA is a leading global non-profit life science membership association that drives collaboration in drug, device, and diagnostics development in pursuit of a healthier world. Founded in 1964 with headquarters in Washington, D.C., and offices in Europe and Asia, DIA provides unparalleled networking opportunities, educational resources, scientific research publications, and professional development programs to members in more than 80 countries. Learn more at and connect with DIA on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (Twitter), and Instagram.
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Kirsty Wark's life off screen from rarely-seen husband to actor son
Former Newsnight host Kirsty Quark will be awarded a BAFTA Fellowship for her exceptional contribution to television with the Scottish star enjoying a quiet family life when she isn't working Kirsty Wark will be awarded a BAFTA Fellowship for her exceptional contribution to television at the The BAFTA Television Awards with P&O Cruises at London's Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall on May 11. The prestigious event is set to be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer and will see the Scottish born journalist accept the honour. Kirsty, 70, was born on February 3 1955 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, and is well known for her career in broadcast journalism. She is married to television producer Alan Clements with whom she tied the knot in 1990. Kirsty and Alan share two children and live in Glasgow. She has previously been honoured for her work when she received the Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting accolade at the 2013 British Academy Scotland Awards. The couple saw their home become a work hub not just for them but for their children - Caitlin, 35, a TV executive, and James, 33, who works as an actor - when COVID pushed them all to stick under one roof. At the time Kirsty discussed what it was like to suddenly have a full home again with all the family in it. She also happily discussed their differing careers while talking to The Sunday Post. She said: 'The house is full – there are five of us here, all working away, my husband is running his media companies, with his staff all working from their homes. 'My daughter is usually in London, she's a development researcher for Eon Entertainment, and my son runs a theatre company in New York, so he's here doing some teaching, writing, doing courses and planning productions. We're not sure when he'll get back to America. And my daughter's fiancee, who is a civil servant, is also working from here." Kirsty hosted Newsnight for 31 years between 1993 and 2024 when she stepped down from her role after the general election coverage ended. She first joined the BBC in 1976 as a graduate researcher for Radio Scotland. Following the announcement of her departure from Newsnight Kirsty hit out at BBC execs over cost-cuts on the show that led to the change. Speaking to Emma Barnett on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, Kirsty addressed the broadcaster's decision to make cuts to BBC Two's Newsnight. She said: 'It was really a tough time for everybody. "In this world, it's all about the brand and Newsnight is a massive brand for BBC Two. Especially in an election year, every single night we will interrogate what is going to be a critical election. "So, it's not about killing it," Kirsty said before adding: "Some people wanted to kill it maybe. But, lots of people didn't want to kill it and I think whatever happens down the line, it's going to be in hale and hearty health. We won't have some of our best editors, but we will still have Nick Watt running up to an election." Kirsty admitted that she would not have made the same decision as the broadcaster. She continued: 'I'm going to be bullish about this and I think I wouldn't have done it. "I loved Newsnight the way it was, but your point about linear [TV] is not lost. Everybody has to change and so I think there is a future for Newsnight and I think it will be in a different format.'
BBC News
30-03-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
BBC Audio Drama Award winners announced along with plans for new monthly 90-minute play on BBC Radio 4
The BBC has revealed the winners of the 2025 Audio Drama Awards, celebrating the exceptional talent and creativity in the field of audio drama and comedy, in a ceremony tonight (30th March) hosted by actor and comedian Miles Jupp at the iconic Radio Theatre in Broadcasting House. The BBC's Chief Content Officer, Charlotte Moore, gave a speech emphasising the BBC's commitment to audio drama and announced plans to launch a monthly 90-minute play slot starting later in the spring on BBC Radio 4, which will focus on new dramas and original adaptations of classic stage plays. These will sit alongside the very best of the recent archive, allowing new and existing listeners the opportunity for a deep dive into this beloved genre. "For over 100 years, the BBC has been a pioneer in audio drama, and today we remain the largest commissioner of audio drama globally – and our commitment to new writing remains unparalleled. In the last year alone we've featured the work of 30 new writers and broadcast 118 new titles, ranging from single dramas to 10-part series," said Moore. "While we celebrate our rich heritage and legacy, we must also embrace the evolving digital audio landscape to ensure the continued success of audio drama and its home on BBC Sounds. We will persist in championing new writing and talent, providing opportunities for emerging voices as well as established names across our networks, to deliver the very best to our listeners. I'm thrilled that the new 90-minute play slot on Radio 4 will bring the power of longform audio drama to many millions more listeners.' The ceremony also included a posthumous Outstanding Contribution award for much-missed producer Bill Dare, given in recognition of his huge influence on comedy, and particularly his contribution to audio comedy on BBC Radio 4. Dare, who tragically passed away earlier this month following an accident overseas, leaves behind a legacy of award-winning satirical programmes for radio and TV, including Dead Ringers, which is set to mark its 25th anniversary on Radio 4 later this year, Spitting Image, and recent Radio 4 comedy The Island starring Stephen Mangan. Julia McKenzie, BBC Radio 4's Commissioner for Comedy, said, "Bill Dare's contribution to comedy is unparalleled. He brought joy to so many listeners and his unique talent is hugely missed. This award is a tribute to his legendary status and the immense impact he had on comedy, at BBC Radio 4 and beyond." Moore also presented an Outstanding Contribution award to the podcast drama Central Intelligence, written by Greg Haddrick, produced by John Scott Dryden and Emma Hearn, and executive-produced by Howard Stringer and Jeremy Fox for Goldhawk Productions. The drama was recognised for the sheer scale of its ambition and its success with digital listeners, with over 2.5 million plays. Kim Cattrall, who stars in the series as narrator Eloise Page, was present to celebrate the series' win. Central Intelligence has been a smash hit with listeners on BBC Sounds and is part of the Limelight series of podcast dramas, which showcases fresh approaches to serialized storytelling from the very best new and established writing, acting, and production talents, and consistently ranks in the top ten most-listened-to podcasts on BBC Sounds. It returns for a second series on 20th June. Also amongst the winners was BAFTA and Emmy-award winner Sean Bean, who received the Best Actor award for his role in Antigone by Jean Anouilh. Anouilh's powerful reworking of the classic Greek play, which was an instant success when first staged in Paris in 1944, showcased Bean's exceptional talent for audio acting. Cecilia Appiah won Best Actress for her portrayal of Carol in Oleanna, David Mamet's most controversial play. Oleanna is an incendiary exploration of gender, education, class, power, and perception, which divided audiences but captured the zeitgeist. Appiah's compelling performance was a hit with listeners and praised by the judges. Alison Hindell, Radio 4's Commissioner for Drama and Fiction, said, 'Tonight we celebrate the huge variety of audio drama as a genre – from gripping new podcasts to classic plays – and the people who work so hard to bring brilliant audio drama to the BBC's audiences. The future of audio drama looks bright, with listeners' interest in the genre continuing to grow, and the BBC is here to champion it all the way.' Full List of Winners of the 2025 Audio Drama Awards: • Best Original Single Drama: The Invitation by Katherine Chandler, produced by John Norton, for BBC Audio Wales & West. Special commendation for Nearly Light by Kit Withington, produced by Jelena Budimir at Naked Productions for BBC Radio 4. • Best Original Series or Serial: Life Lines by Al Smith, produced by Sally Avens at BBC Studios Audio London for BBC Radio 4. • Best Adaptation: Tam O'Shanter by Robert Burns, adapted by Gary McNair, produced by Kirsty Williams for BBC Audio Scotland. Special commendation for Love and Information by Caryl Churchill, produced by Mary Peate and Jessica Dromgoole at Hooley Productions for BBC Radio 4. • Best Actor: Sean Bean for his role in Antigone, directed by Pauline Harris at BBC Studios Audio London for BBC Radio 3. • Best Actress: Cecilia Appiah for her role in Oleanna, directed by Gary Brown for BBC Studios Audio Salford. Special commendations for Michelle Fairley in Hello, I Appear to Have Killed My Husband, directed by Kirsty Williams for BBC Audio Scotland, and Kate O'Flynn in Spores, directed by Nicolas Jackson at Afonica for BBC Radio 3. • Best Comedy Performance: Rosie Cavaliero in The Train at Platform 4, produced by James Robinson at BBC Studios Audio for BBC Radio 4. • The Marc Beeby Award for Best Debut Performance: Mae Munuo in Tribe of Two, directed by Jesse Fox at Afonica for BBC Radio 4. • Best Sitcom or Comedy Drama: Rum Punch by Travis Jay, produced by Daisy Knight at Avalon for BBC Radio 4. • Best Stand Up or Sketch Comedy: Janey Godley: the C Bomb Series 2 by Janey Godley with Ashley Storrie, produced by Richard Melvin at Dabster Productions for BBC Radio 4. Special commendation for Munya Chawawa's Election Doom Scroll by Munya Chawawa, Matthew Crosby, James Farmer, and Joe McArdle, produced by Jo Maney and Ben Wicks at Expectation TV for BBC Radio 4. • Best Use of Sound: Restless Dreams, sound by Eloise Whitmore, produced by Eloise Whitmore and Polly Thomas at Naked Productions for BBC Radio 4. • Best Podcast Audio Drama: The Skies Are Watching, written and produced by Jon Frechette and Todd Luoto at Goldhawk Productions for BBC Radio 4. Special commendation for Central Intelligence by Greg Haddrick, produced by John Scott Dryden and Emma Hearn at Goldhawk Productions, and executive-produced by Howard Stringer and Jeremy Fox, for BBC Radio 4. Central Intelligence also received an Outstanding Contribution Award. • Best European Drama: The Fall of Lapinville by Benjamin Abitan, produced by Chloé Asous-Plunian for Arte Radio, France. • Imison Award: Tether by Isley Lynn, produced by Fay Lomas at BBC Audio Wales and West for BBC Radio 4. • Tinniswood Award: Man Friday by Edson Burton, produced by Mary Ward-Lowery at BBC Audio Wales and West for BBC Radio 4. About the BBC Audio Drama Awards: The BBC Audio Drama Awards celebrate the passionate and dedicated work of professionals who bring this artform to listeners - from actors to writers, producers and sound designers. Previous winners include Rosamund Pike, Susan Wokoma, Miriam Margolyes, Juliet Aubrey, Bridget Christie, Edmund Davies, Phil Wang, Danny Sapani, John Hurt and many more. The BBC once again joined with the Society of Authors and Writers' Guild of Great Britain to present the two annual writing awards run by these organisations, the Imison Award (for best script by a writer new to audio) and the Tinniswood Award (for the best audio script of the year). The BBC has compiled a timeline of key audio drama moments from the past century, which can be found here FK
Arab News
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
BBC veteran Jeremy Bowen accuses Israel of intentionally blocking journalists from Gaza
DUBAI: The BBC's international editor, Jeremy Bowen, has accused Israel of deliberately preventing journalists from entering Gaza in an attempt to 'obfuscate what's going on, and to inject this notion of doubt into information that comes out.' Bowen was awarded the Fellowship Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism at a Society of Editors conference in the UK on Tuesday. During his acceptance speech, he said: 'Why don't they let us into Gaza? Because they don't want us to see it. I think it's really as simple as that. 'Israel took a bit of flak for that to start with but none now, certainly not with (US President Donald) Trump So, I don't see that changing anytime soon.' He praised Palestinian journalists for the 'fantastic work' they are doing but said that he and other international journalists also want to report from Gaza. He again alleged that the reason Israeli authorities will not allow the international media into Gaza is because 'there's stuff that they don't want us to see.' This contrasts sharply with the situation at the start of the conflict, Bowen added. 'Beginning after those Hamas attacks on Oct. 7, they (the Israelis) took us into the border communities,' he said. 'I was in Kfar Aza when there was still fighting going on inside it. They had only just started taking out the bodies of the dead Israelis. Why did they let us in there? Because they wanted us to see it.' In the past 18 months, Bowen said he had been permitted to spend only half a day with the Israeli army inside Gaza. He described the conflict as the 'bloodiest war' since 'the foundation of the Israeli state of 1948.' He said that 'if the place could open up, people could go through, look at the records, count the graves, exhume the skeletons from under the rubble and then they'd get a better idea. But when the doors shut, these things become very, very difficult.' It was not the first time Bowen has voiced concerns about the reporting restrictions. During a report from Tel Aviv in Jan. 2025, he said: 'One reason I'm standing here and not in Gaza is because the Israelis don't let international journalists like myself in there to report freely.' Last year, he was among 55 international journalists who signed an open letter urging Israel and Egypt to provide 'free and unfettered access to Gaza for all foreign media.' They wrote: 'We call on the government of Israel to openly state its permission for international journalists to operate in Gaza, and for the Egyptian authorities to allow international journalists access to the Rafah Crossing. 'It's vital that local journalists' safety is respected and that their efforts are bolstered by the journalism of members of the international media. The need for comprehensive, on-the-ground reporting of the conflict is imperative.'
