Dr Trisha Forbes Wins Postdoc Award

Congratulations to Dr Trisha Forbes who recently won a Postdoc Award in the category of Citizenship and Outreach. Nominated by her colleagues in the Faculty of Medicine, Health & Life Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast, Trisha was awarded for her work with the NI Mental Health Arts Festival.

The Postdoc Awards aim to recognise the exceptional contributions of postdoctoral researchers to the University. In particular, they aim to reward those who excel in what they do, who “go the extra-mile” in their research. They are one of the essential groups of people enabling research to progress.

“It is our pleasure to nominate Trisha Forbes for the citizenship and outreach award. Trisha is an inspiration and a passionate postdoc representative for the School of Nursing and Midwifery, particularly active in building a positive community among researchers. She goes the extra mile in making new members of staff feel welcome and included, as well as organising informal gatherings. Since becoming involved with the Renal Arts Group, Trisha has facilitated a number of successful events, including the dissemination of research to non-specialist audiences, for example during the NI Science Festival. Trisha has also organised inspiring events with international partners from the World Health Organisation, the Philippines, the United States and the Republic of Ireland. Trisha has been a highly active Trustee for the NI Mental Health Arts Festival since 2019, fulfilling the role of Chairperson on the Board. This voluntary role has involved leading on successful funding applications, including from the Baring Foundation, Belfast City Council, Mental Health Foundation and Arts Council of NI. Trisha has acted as line manager for the Festival Coordinator and Wellbeing Coordinator for all those involved in the Festival. Trisha’s drive, motivation, collegiality and passion make her a very deserving winner of this award.”