Professor Edwards is a consultant neonatologist at the Evelina London Children’s Hospital and Professor of Neonatal Medicine at King’s College London. Over his 40-year career he has made an enormous impact not just on the survival of babies, but on the quality of life of some of the sickest new-borns cared for in neonatal units around the UK and internationally.

Professor Edwards was the driving force behind the research and implementation of therapeutic hypothermia for neonates. This intervention is now used globally and has been found to double normal survival and dramatically decrease health care costs.

In his ground-breaking Human Connectome Project, Professor Edwards and his team are working on the first and largest ever study looking at how connections first form in the months and weeks leading up to birth. This study will provide a greater understanding of conditions like autism and cerebral palsy.

The James Spence Medal is awarded for outstanding contributions to the advancement of knowledge and understanding in paediatrics and child health. The award is made on the recommendation of RCPCH Council on the advice of the Nominations Committee.