Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has been awarded The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for its world-leading music therapy work. The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes recognise outstanding work by UK universities and colleges.  The Prizes are granted by The Queen every two years and are the highest national honour awarded in UK higher and further education.

Professor Helen Odell-Miller OBE, Director of ARU’s Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, said:

“On average, someone in the UK develops dementia every three minutes and it is expected to become the 21st century’s biggest killer. 

“At ARU, our important research examining the benefits of music therapy for people living with dementia is already beginning to influence national policy.  Receiving recognition like this, from The Queen, will hopefully further signal the importance of our findings to policymakers both in the UK and abroad.”

Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of ARU, said:

“I’d like to congratulate and thank Professor Helen Odell-Miller OBE and her team, whose outstanding work has secured us this recognition.  

“More importantly, of course, their expertise, passion and dedication has had a life-changing effect on tens of thousands of people living with dementia, and their families – and that’s something of which we can all be hugely proud.”

You can find out more about Professor Odell-Miller’s research here