BHF comment
BHF CEO Dr Charmaine Griffiths awarded honorary degree from Cranfield University
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, has been conferred an honorary degree by Cranfield University.
Based in Bedford, Cranfield is a leading postgraduate research university specialising in science, engineering, design, technology and management.
Charmaine achieved an Executive MBA from Cranfield in 2012 and was the recipient of the Excellence in Achievement Award at the 2021 Alumni Awards.
Charmaine said: “It is such a privilege to receive this honorary degree.
"As an Alumni I know how powerful the Cranfield experience is, blending research excellence with the development of world class leadership. There is no doubt that the learning, network and friendships I gained from Cranfield have profoundly shaped my life.
“As we face unprecedented and challenging times, there has never been a greater need for compassionate and visionary leadership. As those future leaders, I wish this years’ graduates best wishes for the future - it’s yours to make.”
Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of Cranfield University, Professor Karen Holford CBE FREng, said: “Charmaine, as a leading female scientist heading up one of the UK’s biggest charities, is a true inspiration to all of our graduates.
"Her passion for improving human health and quality of life underpins her leadership, and I’m delighted to recognise all her achievements thus far with an honorary degree.”
A leader in research and innovation
Charmaine became our Chief Executive in February 2020. Since her PhD in Neuroscience and early career as a scientist, Charmaine has been passionate about the power of research and innovation to save and improve lives.
She previously held leadership roles for research organisations and programmes including the Institute of Cancer Research, the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, the London Cancer Hub and Brain Research UK.
She was also part of the BHF from 2003 to 2015, ultimately as Executive Director, Strategy & Performance.
Charmaine led the development of our previous organisational strategy, winning the Best Strategic Transformation category at the Chief Strategy Officer Awards 2014.
She is currently Chair of the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum and the Cranfield Trust, President of the European Heart Network, and a Non-Executive at the Human Tissue Authority.