Dr Otter, Director of Infection Prevention and Control at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, stood out among a strong field of applicants. The selection committee praised the breadth of his experience and the impact of his work, noting they were “extremely impressed with the variety of roles and accomplishments.” In particular, the committee highlighted his broad engagement in IPC education, reaching both allied healthcare professionals and members of the public. They also commended his strong leadership profile and his impressive record of applying novel IPC practices in real-world clinical settings.
Dr Otter has demonstrated a commitment to advancing IPC both in theory and in practice. From his leadership within a major NHS Trust to his academic contributions as an Honorary Senior Lecturer at Imperial College London, his work has combined strategic oversight with ground-breaking research. He has contributed to new thinking around antimicrobial surfaces, surveillance of epidemic pathogens, and behaviour change in hand hygiene - bringing these innovations to life in clinical environments.
Reflecting on the award, Dr Otter said, “I am delighted to receive the HIS Early Career Award for 2025. The Healthcare Infection Society is world-renowned and highly respected society, so to receive this award from the society is a massive honour. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the many mentors and collaborators that have shaped and supported my career. Looking to the future, our work in preventing healthcare-associated infection and reducing the risks around antimicrobial resistance couldn’t be more important, and I will continue to advocate for the investment and collaboration that is necessary to reverse current trends and protect our future.”
Dr Otter will be formally recognised at the FIS (Federation of Infection Societies) Conference in December 2025, where he will deliver one of the coveted prize lectures.