I am pleased to nominate Faisal for the role of BOTA Academic Officer. Faisal consistently demonstrates exceptional commitment to orthopaedic education, research quality and trainee development. His proactive approach, strong organisational skills and ability to engage colleagues make him an outstanding advocate for academic excellence. Faisal has led research initiatives, supported junior trainees and contributed meaningfully to collaborative projects, always with professionalism and enthusiasm. He embodies the values of leadership, integrity and innovation that BOTA seeks. I am confident that Faisal will excel in this role and make a significant positive impact on the trainee academic community.

I highly recommend Hasan Mohammad for the position of Academic representative. Hasan is an academic clinical lecturer (ST6) on the Percival Pott Rotation. He has experience in both basic science and clinical studies from his PhD and has published extensively. He has led various national clinical studies and reviews for various journals. In addition, he has experience in running national conferences and clinical skills days.He will enhance orthopaedic trainee access to relevant training, workshops and opportunities to engage in research. In addition, he will help set up academic collaboratives and help raise the academic profile of BOTA.

I have worked alongside Jo in both a clinical and academic setting and would highly recommend her for role of BOTA Academic Representative. On a personal level she is a supportive and engaging colleague who thrives in leadership positions. From an academic perspective she has a breadth of experience. Jo has won grants from NIHR for her PHD work, published in multiple high impact journals and has shown leadership in research founding the Welsh Orthopaedic Research Trainee Hub (WORTH). She has undertaken research at all stages of training so has a unique understanding on how to integrate academia into clinical work. This combination of her interpersonal skills and academic experience I believe makes her an excellent candidate for this role.

I’m delighted to support Michael Foxworthy in his candidacy for BOTA President. As Academic Officer this year, Michael has shown exceptional commitment to advancing trainee education — delivering high-quality academic content, strengthening research opportunities, and building meaningful partnerships across specialties and regions. His clarity of thought, calm leadership, and inclusive approach have made a tangible impact within BOTA and beyond. Michael brings both strategic vision and genuine empathy for the trainee experience — qualities that will serve the association, and the wider orthopaedic community, incredibly well. I have every confidence he would lead BOTA with integrity and purpose.

Tania has spent the last 18 months as a regional rep as well as a key organiser of the 2025 conference. She was an integral part of the success of this event and has built up an understanding of what is involved at the national level. She is hard-working, committed and has an ability to blend opinions into a sensible and fair consensus without allowing her own views to cloud that of those she may represent. S&W can contain some polarising topics so I think this is an essential skill and she would be fantastic.