Professor Sabi Redwood is the new Director of NIHR ARC West, taking over from Professor John Macleod. John will continue working with the ARC.
Sabi will be leading ARC West’s application to NIHR’s call to fund NIHR ARCs in England from 1 April 2026 for 5 years.
In a statement about the appointment, Professor Jonathan Ives, Deputy Head of Bristol Medical School, and Professor Chrissie Thirlwell, Head of Bristol Medical School, said:
“Sabi brings a wealth of highly relevant research and leadership experience to the role, and has been performing the role as Acting Director of ARC-West with great skill and effectiveness over the last 12 months.
“We are extremely indebted to Professor John Macleod who provided such inspiring and dedicated leadership of the ARC-West for the last 5 years. His outstanding leadership has left the ARC-West in an extremely strong position going into the new round of funding, but he has agreed that now is the time to hand on the role to Sabi following his recent illness. He will continue to provide support and experience to the team.”
John Macleod said:
“Leading the ARC has been the greatest pleasure and privilege of my professional career. The last year has been difficult at times, but it’s also given me new understanding and insights into the importance of the work we do. I can’t think of anyone more ideally qualified than Sabi to take this work forward and look forward to supporting her and the whole ARC team in any way that I can.”
Sabi Redwood said:
“John has been a fabulous director, bringing energy and passion to the role and inspiring partners and colleagues to work together to improve health and care. He will continue to be involved in the work of the ARC so we won’t lose him and his warmth, compassion and sense of humour. Thanks to his strong leadership, we will be able to take many of his ideas and passions into the application for the next chapter of the ARC.”