Professor Julian Bion has stepped down as a director of research for the Trust after two years in the role.

Professor Bion, one of the country’s most respected critical care specialists, was co-director of research with Professor Nick James.

Prof Bion paid tribute to the development of the research and development infrastructure at the Trust: “Now that we have the Divisional Research Management Groups in place there is an effective conduit for communication between clinical researchers and the Trust Board.

“I would particularly like to thank all of the Research and Development team for their help and support during the past few years.”

Director of Delivery Tim Jones thanked Prof Bion for his contribution to the development of research at the Trust: “Professor Bion has been a key figure in the way we have expanded and shaped the whole research and development ethos and framework here at UHB, and I thank him for his input.

“While we are sorry to lose his leadership as director, I know he will continue to play an active role through his own research and as a mentor and advisor to others.”

Professor Bion is Professor of Intensive Care Medicine at the University of Birmingham and the Dean of the Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine, which was created in 2010 to set national standards through education and training.