Samita Kirve, Associate Professor from the Department of Health Studies, has won a prestigious award from the Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT), the professional body for Occupational Therapists in the UK.

Samita has been given the 2026 RCOT Merit Award for her outstanding contribution to the occupational therapy profession over three decades and across two continents, with significant impact in curriculum innovation, dementia education, student partnership and raising the profile of Occupational Therapy nationally and globally.

Samita leads the University’s innovative MSc (Pre-Registration) Occupational Therapy course, built around global health, sustainability and disaster management. 

Samita said: “Receiving this RCOT Merit Award is deeply humbling; this is not just a recognition of my passion and dedication to the profession, but also a contribution from the students, colleagues, and communities who have shaped my professional journey across clinical practice, education, and research. 

“It also affirms the University’s shared commitment to innovative, globally minded, inclusive OT education.  

“The work environment at Royal Holloway is nurturing and supportive, which inspires me to carry that work forward.”