An Edinburgh Napier academic has been recognised with an Outstanding/Lifetime Achievement Award from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) Scotland.

Lis Neubeck, Professor of Cardiovascular Health within Edinburgh Napier’s School of Health & Social Care and Head of the University’s Centre for Cardiovascular Health Research received the award at the recent RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards held within the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

The Outstanding/Lifetime Achievement Award celebrates a significant contribution to the development of nursing with Professor Neubeck praised by the judging panel as an exemplary pioneer of her profession.

Professor Neubeck’s research at Edinburgh Napier focuses on innovative solutions to secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease alongside the identification and management of atrial fibrillation, and the use of new technologies that improve access to health care. 

Over the last four years she has championed support for patients who have experienced a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) which has resulted in development of a new clinical service for survivors in Scotland.

Prof Neubeck has secured more than £7m in competitive research funding throughout her academic career so far and has also won a host of notable prizes and awards for her research. Last year she was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, and is also the first nurse to serve as a National Health Service Research Scotland Cardiovascular Clinical Network Lead (2021-present).

The RCN Scotland Nurse of the Year Awards are in their second year and are designed to recognise, highlight and celebrate the dedication and outstanding professional care of nursing staff across Scotland.

On winning the award, Professor Lis Neubeck said:

"I am truly grateful to receive this recognition from RCN Scotland. Every day in cardiovascular nursing presents new challenges and opportunities to make a difference, and this award is a wonderful encouragement. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission to provide exceptional care.

“This is an honour that I share with my exceptional team. Without their expertise, insight and commitment our success would not be possible. This award is a reflection of their hard work and dedication and I am immensely lucky and proud to work with them.”

Commending Lis for her impact on nursing research and innovation, Colin Poolman, RCN Scotland Executive Director said:

“This award celebrates Lis’ significant contribution to the development of nursing as a profession. Her achievements show that not only is she an exemplary nurse, but she has earned recognition from, and the respect of, her peers and should be acknowledged as a pioneer in the profession. She deserves all the congratulations for trailblazing a legacy of sustainably improved outcomes for individuals, communities, and the wider population.”

Catherine Ross, Chief Scientific Officer for Scotland at Scottish Government, who nominated Lis said:

“The positive impact of Professor Neubeck's work is evident in the lives of patients, their families, and her colleagues. Her ability to foster a supportive and collaborative environment has led to improved teamwork, communication, and ultimately, the delivery of exceptional care. Her remarkable achievements embody the spirit of the award, making her an outstanding candidate for this prestigious honour.

Mary Galbraith, a SCAD patient, said:

“Her commitment to women’s heart health is unwavering. Prof Neubeck possesses both ambition and action, a rare combination. Her magic touch lies in advancing and elevating the profile of women’s heart health. Notably, she actively listens to patient voices, opening doors to vital research. In particular, her work on SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) recovery—especially among predominantly female patients—has been groundbreaking. Prof Neubeck played a pivotal role in establishing Scotland’s first SCAD clinic, revolutionising care for patients like me.

“I consider myself blessed to have collaborated with Prof Lis Neubeck - a remarkable advocate and visionary in the field of women’s heart health.”