Professor Rankin has been awarded an OBE for services to Maternal and Child Health and Research Inclusion.

As professor of Maternal and Child Health in the Population Health Sciences Institute, her research aims to reduce disparities in outcomes for women, babies and families with a particular focus on those from underserved and vulnerable groups.

Recently announced by the NIHR as a Senior Investigator in public health, she has long advocated for maternal and child health research, from her early days of advocating for the need for population level, high quality data on children with congenital anomalies to inform clinical practice and research to leading research on how to facilitate engagement with maternity services for those from vulnerable groups.

Judith also has a track record of championing research inclusion both within Newcastle University and nationally and has supported researchers from different backgrounds, disciplines and career trajectories to pursue their ambitions as well as worked with organisations to make their practices more inclusive.

Alongside her research, she collaborates with parents and families as well as a number of parent organisations including Sands, Children North East, Tiny Lives and the Twins Trust.

"testament to her expertise and influence"

Professor Rankin said: “This was a completely unexpected honour, and I feel very privileged to have been nominated. I am particularly pleased that this nomination was not only for my research in maternal and child health but also for my inclusion work. This award recognises the contributions of many colleagues from across a number of organisations both in the UK and in Europe who have provided encouragement and support over the years.”

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, said: “I would like to congratulate Judith on her honour. It is well-deserved and testament to her expertise and influence which is enabling change in the care of these vulnerable groups. I am proud that as a University, we and our students, benefit from her knowledge.”