The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine Staff Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and value the diverse contributions of staff across three categories: Research, People & Culture and Education.
We are delighted to announce our 2024 winners, who were presented with their awards at a special event on the Guy’s campus on 9 July hosted by Executive Dean for the Faculty, Professor Ajay Shah.
Research Awards
Collaborative Research Excellence Award
This award recognises team science, where successful collaboration has been critical to the success of the research.
Winner:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Abnormality Deep Learning Identification (MIDI) team,
School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
A collaborative and multidisciplinary team focused on developing a clinically-validated decision-making tool to identify abnormalities in bran MRI scans, allowing early intervention and improving both short- and long-term clinical outcomes.
Research Guidance and Mentorship Award
This award recognises an individual who has provided excellent support, guidance, management or mentorship to early career research staff.
Winner:
Dr Pippa Harding,
School of Basic & Medical Biosciences
An incredibly dedicated and hard-working member of the Ocular Cell & Gene Therapy team, Dr Harding has stepped in amid staffing shortages this year to support the wider research of the group, taking on organisation and planning aspects while also finding the time to mentor and support new PhD students, prepare a successful grant application and engage in several public engagement events, not to mention deliver on her own research.
Research Impact on Society Award
This award recognises an individual or team who has/have made an impact on society through their research, locally, regionally, nationally or internationally. That may be impact on healthcare, influencing national or international policy or guidelines, economic impact such as commercialisation and impact on the local community.
Winner:
Professor Barbara McGowan,
School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences
Professor McGowan has revolutionized obesity management locally, nationally and internationally, through her research, clinical dedication, leadership, and advocacy.
Early Career Researcher Achievement Award
This award recognises the achievements of an early career researcher who has made a major contribution to their field (e.g. new discovery, major publication) or to research within the Faculty.
Winner:
Dr Ryan McNally,
School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences
A Research Associate and Pharmacist, Ryan has made significant progress as an Early Career Researcher and has an impressive publication record, helping to raise the profile of the Faculty both nationally and internationally.
People & Culture Awards
Award for Championing an Inclusive, Fair and Diverse Faculty
This award is for an individual or team who has/have made significant contributions in developing, promoting and embedding equality, diversity and an inclusive culture within the Faculty.
Winner:
Dr Aileen King,
School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences
A proactive Development, Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) lead and a keen advocate of inclusive education, Dr King has been closely involved with Athena SWAN initiatives, mentoring of female researchers and work to improve the experience of PhD students. She is a member of the team which received the 2023 Equality, Diversity and Inclusion award from the British Pharmacological Society for a series of short animations highlighting microaggressions in the workplace. She is passionate about promoting access to university education to underrepresented groups.
Outstanding Citizenship Award
This award recognises an individual who has made a substantial contribution to the Faculty above and beyond their normal duties, such as through significant leadership of internal or external networks and initiatives.
Joint Winners:
Dr Manasi Nandi,
School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr Tom Francis,
School of Basic & Medical Biosciences
Dr Nandi’s consistent dedication to championing equality, diversity and inclusivity within and beyond the Faculty are worthy of the highest recognition. She has willingly volunteered her time to chair high-profile University events, mastermind the ‘Humanising Healthcare’ podcast and support a video showcasing student work on maternal health inequalities. She is also Development, Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) lead for the School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Confidential Advisor.
Dr Francis has made an enormous contribution to building structures to help support early career researchers at School, Faculty and University levels. His commitment, effort and time led to the formation of the Research Staff Network Committee which he co-chaired. Thanks to his advocacy, Teaching Fellows now have access to conference funds for teaching hours, and there are ongoing discussions to improve their mentorship within Schools. He continues to push for changes in fixed term contracts, research staff recognition and representation on committees and panels.
Outreach and Engagement Award
This award recognises individuals or teams who have made a significant contribution to outreach and engagement, whether that be patient, public involvement and engagement, widening participation, local or global engagement, external engagement on sustainability issues or any other issues of importance to the Faculty.
Winner:
Dr Bahijja Raimi-Abraham,
School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr Raimi-Abraham is internationally recognised for her outreach and engagement work, with a particular focus on substandard and falsified (SF) anti-infective drugs. She has promoted pharmaceutical sciences to the public and wider communities, working with BBC News Africa on their campaign to raise awareness on the impact of fake medicines. She is also the founder of the ‘Monday Science’ podcast which disseminates the latest research in Medicine, Science, Technology and Health and has been ranked in the top 20 Science Podcasts on iTunes.
Outstanding Professional Services Award (two awards given)
This award recognises an individual member of professional services staff or a small team who has/have provided outstanding, responsive and innovative support, either expert or general, to colleagues in the Faculty. This award may also recognise contributions to developing others, including outstanding line management, mentorship or support for training and development of professional services colleagues. It may include leading innovation that has impacted significant improvement in support for a local or wider area of activity; supporting the outstanding delivery of education, responding to unforeseen circumstances and going above and beyond expectations; collaborating with colleagues across the Faculty and College to bring a positive change to working practice.
Winners:
Genevieve Lachance,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Linda Almici,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Genevieve brings clarity and efficiency through her work on the data team and has led several major initiatives that have helped drive research efforts forwards, such as setting up a database for a study on baby twins and applying for and receiving Electronic Health Records and ONS data on around 15,000 TwinsUK cohort participants, a major and complex endeavour that took more than two years.
Linda’s professionalism in providing first class financial and HR support is exemplary. She tackles complex tasks with unwavering determination, never losing sight of the bigger picture. Beyond her in-depth knowledge, Linda’s diplomacy skills shine brightly, and her personal approach means that people feel cared for. She excels in resolving conflicts and promoting harmonious relationships and has the ability to forge strong connections with colleagues. Passionate about inclusivity, she is a driving force behind the School’s Development, Diversity & Inclusion (DDI) committee, actively advocating for diversity, equity, and fairness.
Outstanding Technical Services Support Award (two awards given)
This award recognises a member of technical services staff within the Faculty who has made a significant 'above and beyond' contribution to research, teaching or sustainability.
Winners:
Dr Risa Mori,
School of Basic & Medical Biosciences
Dr Hannah Rosa,
School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences
Dr Mori consistently goes above and beyond to ensure smooth running of the department and is described by colleagues as ‘always approachable with a ‘can do’ attitude; someone who creates a great working environment’. On top of her day-to-day role, Dr Mori leads the Continuous Improvement Technical Building Group at New Hunts House, has volunteered to take on training responsibilities for the department and put herself forward as a biological safety officer when few of the research staff were willing to take on such an important communal role.
Dr Rosa consistently goes above and beyond to meet the research needs of the department and school. Founder of the ‘green team’ initiative which seeks to implement more sustainable lab practices, she has been the driving force behind the lab’s LEAF submissions, ultimately securing the gold award in 2023. She works with individuals and companies outside the lab to promote engagement, organising a work experience week for GCSE and A-level students and running an outreach stand at the Society for Endocrinology BES conference. She undoubtedly improves the culture of the department as well as overall research productivity and health and safety.
Unsung Hero Award
This award recognises a member of staff who consistently and tirelessly seeks to improve the way their team, department, School or the Faculty works, but who has little wider visibility. For example, those who consistently help troubleshoot in the event of an emergency, who help ease the pressure on others or go above and beyond to support colleagues.
Winner:
Sarah Ryan,
School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences
Sarah plays a key role in making sure the Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology (CIBCI) laboratories function smoothly, and her involvement in sustainability initiatives have led to CIBCI securing silver and then gold awards. She is currently a sustainability champion and chair of the CIBCI sustainability group. Valued as an integral member of the wider CIBCI community, she does a huge amount of work behind the scenes, noticing problems that need solving and dealing with them before anyone else is even aware.
Inspiring Leader Award
This award recognises an individual who has inspired others through their leadership, created a positive environment, championed equality, diversity and inclusivity and shown visibility and openness to help and support those they lead.
Winner:
Sophie Lo,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
As School Manager, Sophie’s positivity, problem-solving, presence and calm attitude in facing enormous challenges are truly inspiring. Through the many changes the School has undergone in recent years, Sophie has established a sense of togetherness for staff across sites, making everyone feel welcome and valued. She has worked hard to streamline processes, resulting in faster delivery of services. An effective team player, she quietly diffuses any tensions which arise, allowing her solutions-focused approach to shine through.
Education Awards
Sustained Excellence Award (student nominated)
This award recognises the contribution of an individual (or team) over time which has led to a sustained positive impact on the learning and teaching community, or overall student experience at King's.
Winner:
Dr Alistair Hunter
Senior Lecturer, Centre for Education
Over the last 30 years, Dr Hunter has taught anatomy to both Medical and Bioscience students to an exemplary standard in ways they both understand and appreciate. Students say that his breadth and depth of knowledge is unmatched and describe him as 'an inspiration'. His outstanding teaching is combined with a huge level of student support.
Innovations in Teaching Award (student nominated)
This award recognises the contribution of a pioneering individual (or team) who has taken on new, innovative approaches to designing effective learning environments, delivering creative and inspirational teaching.
Winner:
Dr Emma Soo
Anatomy Demonstrator, Centre for Education
Dr Soo consistently demonstrates a pioneering spirit in educational methodologies, integrating technologies and pedagogical strategies to transform the way anatomy demonstrators approach teaching and learning. Her inventive curriculum design and engaging instructional delivery have not only captivated our students, but also sparked a culture of continuous innovation within our anatomy teaching.
Inclusive Education Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who shows commitment and dedication to widening participation by creating a diverse and inclusive environment, through curriculum content and design, teaching practice, and/or supporting students and colleagues.
Winner:
Dr Hardeep Baht
Consultant Stroke Physician, Centre for Education
Dr Baht’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity within our academic community is outstanding. An incredibly approachable supervisor, he has supported students with a range of learning needs, drawing on different techniques to create a fertile and supportive learning environment where every voice is heard and valued. His efforts have significantly contributed to an educational atmosphere that not only welcomes but celebrates the richness of backgrounds and perspectives that define our medical student body.
Excellent Feedback Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who consistently applies feedback practices that are integral to supporting student development and learning.
Winner:
Dr Eleni Josephides
Clinical Oncologist, Centre for Education
Dr Josephides has shown unwavering commitment to enhancing the learning journey of our students, helping them develop through the provision of excellent feedback. She has offered consistently fantastic mentorship, employing feedback practices that are not only constructive but also empowering, guiding students towards academic and personal growth.
Student Support Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who frequently goes the extra mile to support students in and outside of the classroom.
Winner:
Professor Stephen Sturzenbaum
School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Professor Sturzenbaum is known for his unwavering support for students - both his personal tutees and those in the wider department. From prompt responses to emails, using friendly and inclusive approaches, to student meetings, to anticipating student problems and empowering them to solve them, he always demonstrates empathy and is described by students as 'a genuine, kind and super approachable member of the academic team'.
Expanding Opportunities Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who purposefully include students in co-curricular opportunities and who support students in engaging in ways to connect their academic experience to broader initiatives such as service, internships, employability skills, or through involvement in improving the curriculum.
Winner:
Dr Anatoliy Markiv
Reader in Digital Education, Centre for Education
Dr Markiv has dedicated an enormous amount of time over the past six years mentoring teams of students to success in the iGEM competition. Students have described this experience with him as ‘transformative’ and ‘instrumental’ in their academic and personal growth. Dr Markiv instils in them core values such as perseverance and self-confidence that extend far beyond the competition.
Outstanding Biosciences Education Contribution Award (staff nominated)
This award recognises a member of academic, teaching or professional services staff or a team who has/have made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of Biosciences Education.
Winner:
Synthetic Anatomy Module Team
The innovative Synthetic Anatomy module developed and delivered by this team takes anatomy into the realms of bioengineering, 3D printing, arts, and science fiction, pushing the boundaries of clinical, evolutionary and developmental anatomy. Teaching emphasises experimentation and learning from setbacks, within a culture of risk-taking, and assessment methods measure student pride and engagement in authentic ways.
Outstanding Medical Education Contribution Award (staff nominated)
This award recognises a member of academic, teaching or professional services staff or a team who has/have made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of Medical Education.
Winner:
MBBS Branch Campus Team
The King’s / University of Portsmouth branch campus will begin delivering medical education in August thanks to the efforts of this project team. The team has worked incredibly hard to translate agreed plans into reality, ensuring the curriculum is safely delivered to GMC standards and links with existing governance.
Executive Dean’s Special Awards
Executive Dean’s Award for Global Impact
Winner:
Dr Jamie Murdoch and Professor Lara Fairall,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Dr Murdoch and Professor Fairall’s work in South Africa has been instrumental in driving impact from research and will provide a four-star impact case study for REF 2029. They have established longstanding partnerships between King’s, the Knowledge Translation Unit, international Universities, Research Councils, Ministries of Health at federal and state level, and NGOs, and have embedded a clear research-to-practice and policy pipeline.
Executive Dean’s Award for Lifetime Contribution to People & Culture
Winner:
Professor Heidi Lempp
School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences
Before retiring earlier this year, Professor Lempp was the Development, Diversity and Inclusion (DDI) lead within the School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences. She energetically promoted a fair and inclusive culture not only within the School but also across the wider Faculty and University. An active member of the ‘Decolonization of the Curriculum’ committee for the MBBS programme, Professor Lempp was critical in setting up successful student focus groups to understand and implement changes.