Law Firm Joins Forces With COT To Present Award

A senior lecturer at the University of Northampton has been awarded an Irwin Mitchell Research Award to explore the impact of returning to work for people who have suffered a serious brain injury.

Representatives from national law firm Irwin Mitchell were on hand to present the Research Award to Karen Beaulieu, an MSc Award Leader for Advanced Occupational Therapy at the university, at the College of Occupational Therapists (COT) annual conference in Brighton recently.

The award comes in the form of a grant for Karen to allow her to carry out the research as part of her PhD whilst also being able to continue her lecturing work.

Colin Ettinger, a Partner and serious injury specialist at Irwin Mitchell’s London office, attended the event and offered congratulations to Karen on behalf of the firm.

Commenting on the award, he said: “The work carried out by researchers like Karen is invaluable in helping people to develop a greater understanding of the impact that serious brain and head injuries can have as they try to return to a full life after their injury.

“So much of the work we are involved in highlights the devastating impact that such injuries can have on people, often turning lives upside down and leaving many facing a lifetime of rehabilitation and care.

“This research by Karen will help to shed new light on helping brain injury victims to return to work and ensuring they are catered for in a way which will help them contribute to the workplace in the best possible manner.

“We are delighted to be able to sponsor an award which supports such work and would like to congratulate Karen on her success.”

Elizabeth White, Head of Research and Developments, College of Occupational Therapists, said: "The College of Occupational Therapists is delighted that Irwin Mitchell has sponsored occupational therapy research in 2011 through the United Kingdom Occupational Therapy Research Foundation Irwin Mitchell Research Award.

“The focus of the Award on ‘Restoring life through occupational therapy involvement’ reflects the fundamental importance of the profession’s perspective that meaningful occupation is essential to health and wellbeing.

“The Award will contribute to research capacity building within the profession, and will be a highly-valued addition to the winner’s research profile. We look forward to ongoing collaborative work between the College and Irwin Mitchell to progress the occupational therapy research agenda.”