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Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the Winners of the Wiley Research Heroes Prize

Celebrating Excellence: Announcing the Winners of the Wiley Research Heroes Prize

We are excited to announce the winners of the Wiley Research Heroes Prize, celebrating exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. With over 1,713 nominations from around the world, we want to extend our sincere thanks to all who nominated remarkable researchers. A special thank you goes to those who nominated our winners—your support is helping us highlight the impact of their work. Congratulations to all the winners for their dedication - you are truly inspiring! Check out the profiles of each of our deserving winners below.

Dr Katie Brooker  

Postdoctoral research fellow, Queensland Centre for Intellectual and Developmental Disability, University of Queensland, Australia 

Dr Katie Brooker has won a Wiley Research Heroes Prize due to her exceptional commitment to inclusive research in intellectual disability health. She supervises employees with lived experience of intellectual disability, supporting them in all aspects of research—from data analysis to co-authoring publications. Dr Brooker is dedicated to ensuring true involvement through training, facilitating focus groups, and translating materials into Easy Read format. Her leadership in co-designing research and promoting inclusion sets a stellar example in her field, making her a true hero in inclusive research practices. Watch our interview with Dr Katie Brooker and her nominator, Catherine Franklin below. 

Professor Trevor Charles

Director, Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research, University of Waterloo, Canada

Professor Trevor Charles has received a Wiley Research Heroes Prize for his outstanding research contributions and commitment to inclusivity in both academic and commercialization settings. With over 31 years of mentorship, he has prioritized equity, diversity, and inclusion, especially through his work with the Canadian Society of Microbiologists and the LiffOff Program, which supports Black entrepreneurs. Professor Charles has mentored hundreds of students and fostered numerous business networks, making a profound impact on both the academic community and entrepreneurial landscape. His dedication to equity and mentorship makes him a deserving winner. Hear from Professor Trevor Charles and Valerie Ward, who nominated him for the prize below.

Professor Deborah Esan 

Professor of Nursing Science, Bowen University, Nigeria 

Professor Deborah Esan has won a Wiley Research Heroes Prize due to her extraordinary contributions to global health, nursing, and education. A leader in maternal and child health, she has trained over 500 healthcare professionals, significantly reducing neonatal mortality in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Her research, including studies on cervical cancer screening and radon exposure, has had international impact, improving healthcare practices and safety protocols. As an educator, she has mentored over 80 undergraduate and postgraduate students, many of whom have gone on to prominent roles in healthcare. Professor Esan’s dedication to advancing global health makes her a true inspiration and a worthy recipient of a Wiley Research Heroes Prize. Check out our interview with Professor Deborah Esan. 

Dr Maria Elena Indelicato 

CEEC Individual FCT researcher, Centre for Social Studies, University of Coimbra, Portugal 

Dr Maria Elena (Marilena) Indelicato has received a Wiley Research Heroes Prize her pioneering work in decolonizing knowledge and research. She has championed the inclusion of marginalized perspectives, advocating for the integration of indigenous knowledge systems and challenging Eurocentric paradigms. Her groundbreaking research has focused on dismantling colonial frameworks and promoting equitable, culturally respectful methodologies. Dr Indelicato's focus on documenting institutional racism in higher education and her commitment to social justice has inspired a new wave of scholarship that emphasizes critical inquiry and ethical responsibility. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on both academia and public discourse, and we are delighted to announce Dr Indelicato as a recipient of a Wiley Research Heroes prize. Read our interview with Dr Indelicato and her nominator Dr Estella Capri here. 

Professor José Rodrigo Sacahui Reyes 

Research Professor, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of San Carlos, Guatemala 

Professor José Rodrigo Sacahui Reyes, of the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and the country's only Ph.D. in astrophysics, has won a Wiley Research Heroes Prize for his important contributions to advancing scientific research in the Central American and Caribbean region. He co-founded Alpha-Cen, a non-profit association focused on astrophysics and has worked tirelessly to elevate scientific standards. Professor Reyes promotes science communication, outreach, and inclusivity, particularly for underrepresented groups in remote areas. His initiatives include educational programs, science blogs, and resources for children and those with visual impairments, making science accessible to all. Hear from Professor Reyes and his nominator Paola Oliva-Altamirano below.

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