Professor Michael Jenkinson, Sir John Fisher / RCS England Chair of Surgical Trials at the University of Liverpool and Consultant Neurosurgeon at The Walton Centre, has received the Vilhelm Magnus Medal, often described as the ‘Nobel Prize of Neurosurgery’.
Awarded by the Norwegian Neurosurgical Association, the medal was given to Professor Jenkinson in recognition of his efforts to improve neurosurgical treatment outcomes, particularly in the field of neuro-oncology and clinical trials.
Professor Jenkinson said: “I’m delighted to receive this prestigious accolade. Over the course of my career, I’ve always strived to ensure patients are supported with the treatment and intervention they need at the time they need it most. The Vilhelm Magnus Medal has been given to some incredible neurosurgeons in the past, so it’s amazing to be able to stand among them.”
Past recipients include Professor Peter Hutchinson for his work on traumatic brain injury, and Professor Sir Graham Teasdale, the creator of the Glasgow Coma Scale.
Professor Jenkinson has led many clinical trials that impact patient care to this day. Most notably, he was co-chief investigator on the NIHR funded BASICS trial (The British Antibiotic and Silver Impregnated Catheters for ventriculoperitoneal Shunts randomized controlled trial) that showed antibiotic catheters reduced the infection rate from 6% to 2%, saving £135,000 per infection. Antibiotic shunts are now standard of care in UK neurosurgery.
Medical Director and Deputy Chief Executive of The Walton Centre Dr Andy Nicolson said: “Receiving the medal is a testament to Professor Jenkinson’s determination and skill in delivering excellent patient outcomes. Research he has led has changed not only the lives of his and his colleagues' patients, but future brain tumour patients. This medal further cements his legacy in the history of neurosurgery.”
Professor Benedict Michael, Director of the Liverpool Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Centre, said: "This is a huge achievement to be awarded the ’Nobel Prize of Neurosurgery’ and well-deserved recognition for the work of Professor Michael Jenkinson which has resulted in meaningful advances in the care for patients with brain tumours."
Professor Jenkinson received the medal at the Norwegian Neurosurgical Association’s annual meeting being held this week.
President of the Norwegian Neurosurgical Association Consultant Neurosurgeon Professor Sasha Gulati said: "Professor Jenkinson has been honoured with the Vilhelm Magnus Award in recognition of his exceptional dedication and important contributions to the field of neurosurgery. Renowned for his ability to identify clinical equipoise, Professor Jenkinson continues to push the boundaries of neurosurgical research. While his achievements are already remarkable, we are confident that his journey is far from over—and that even greater accomplishments lie ahead."