Donate Now

Scar Free Chief Investigator appointed OBE in King’s Birthday Honours

Professor Iain Whitaker, Chief Investigator at The Scar Free Foundation Programme of Reconstructive Research, has today been named in the King’s Birthday Honours for Services to Plastic Surgery.

Simon Weston wears a check shirt and blue blazer as he chats to Iain Whitaker who wears a pale blue shirt. They sit in front of a window at a wooden desk in a modern, brightly lit room,

Professor Iain Whitaker – Chief Investigator at The Scar Free Foundation Programme of Reconstructive Research – has been appointed OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his services to plastic surgery (clinical, research and training).

Congratulations to Iain on this incredible achievement!

Since 2012, Iain has directed The Scar Free Foundation and Health and Care Research Wales-funded Reconstructive Surgery & Regenerative Medicine Research Centre, focusing on regenerative medicine and 3D bioprinting.

The 3D Bioface project has the potential to transform the lives of those who have lost body parts through scarring, as scientists develop new techniques to ‘print’ ears or noses from a patient’s own cells.

A unique type of ‘bio-ink’ encourages cartilage to grow, meaning a custom ear or nose could be surgically implanted on to the patient, avoiding the need for painful prosthetics or invasive surgery (which causes more scarring).

Last year, Iain was welcomed to the Panzi Hospital in the Democratic Republic of Congo, following a recommendation from our Royal Patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh.

Panzi’s founder and lead clinician is Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege, who has dedicated his life to treating survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The hospital has cared for over 85,000 survivors since its inception, offering (often complex and extensive) reconstructive surgery, psychological support, and sanctuary.

Iain’s trip, and a subsequent reunion with The Duchess and Dr Mukwege at Swansea University, gave rise to a new project: SPARC – the Swansea-Panzi Alliance for the Reconstruction & Care of victims of conflict-related sexual violence.

The project will kickstart a skills share in contemporary reconstructive and plastic surgery techniques between UK clinicians and Panzi – with the potential to have a positive impact for CRSV survivors across the globe.

A row of doctors and medical professionals smile at the camera underneath a yellow and blue signs which reads 'Hopital de Panzi'.

On his award, Iain said:

“I am thankful to receive recognition for more than 20 years of work within the specialty of plastic surgery and would like to thank all those involved in my nomination and acknowledge that this is also a reflection of the achievements and contributions of the organisations, communities and individuals that I work with.
My aim has been to work tirelessly to investigate ways to improve patient care, whilst building a multidisciplinary team and inspiring the brightest and the best surgeons in training to come to Wales and raise the profile of the nation”.

Richard Nugee, Chief Executive of The Scar Free Foundation was thrilled to hear Iain’s news:

“The Scar Free Foundation is delighted that Professor Iain Whitaker’s dedication and achievements have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours.
His outstanding contributions to plastic surgery and medical research – including his leadership in programmes like The Scar Free Foundation-supported ReconRegen, exploring tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting – are widely respected.
We are proud to see such a remarkable researcher honoured today”.

Based in Swansea, Iain was appointed as Wales’s first-ever Professor of Plastic Surgery in 2012.

He’s Chair in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Swansea University Medical School, Honorary Consultant Plastic Surgeon at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery at Morriston Hospital, and Surgical Speciality Lead for Health & Care Research Wales.

You can read more about Iain and the work that has contributed to his OBE here.

News and views

News

Sue, right, sits on a blue velvet sofa in front of a floral wallpapered wall. She wears a black jumper, a gold necklace and faces the camera. Charlotte, left, stands in Hyde Park near the 7/7 memorial. She wears a dusky green blazer and pink shirt and faces the camera.

7/7 20 years on: Sue and Charlotte speak to the BBC

A Scar Free Ambassador who survived 7/7 and our Deputy Chief Executive speak to the BBC about how Ambassadors influence our research.

Find out more

Funding

Ambassador and Trustee Hemani wears a blue dress and smiles at the camera. In the centre is Ambassador Dan, who sits and smiles as he reads a children's book. Their images are overlaid on an image of Lawrence, a Swansea University Scar Free researcher, who works at a microscope in a lab.

New Scar Free Lottery will support trailblazing research

You could win up to £25,000 if you have a flutter on the Foundation to support cutting-edge research.

Find out more

News