A Northumberland student has been an integral part of a prize-winning medical study.

Maisie Ward, a year 13 student at Ponteland High School, was part of the PERFORM team, which is the winner of the PIER (Paediatric Involvement and Engagement in Research) Prize 2021. PERFORM is a study which is being conducted by doctors from Newcastle RVI in conjunction with young people.

The award was presented at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health annual conference, and Maisie played an important role in a project which was designed to develop new molecular diagnostic tests for childhood fevers.

Maisie said: “I felt honoured to have taken part in this research as it had a meaningful outcome and the medical professionals listened and valued my comments.”

“This opportunity has developed my professional skills and my confidence has improved.”