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MPLS Awards for Excellence in Lab and Workshop Support 2026

We are delighted to announce the winners of the 2025-2026 MPLS Award for Excellence in Lab and Workshop Support. This award celebrates the excellent work of lab and workshop staff across MPLS departments, recognising the contribution of lab managers, technicians (including lab technicians) and workshop staff in supporting high-quality teaching, research and innovation across MPLS.

This year's winners were selected by a panel chaired by Professor Mike Bonsall, from nominations spanning MPLS. 

Winners

Photo of the Physics Lab Team

Physics Teaching Labs Team – Department of Physics

Jenny Barnes, Rich Gardner, Max Howe, Jonathan Rogers, Stephen Wasko, Emma Reavell, Lana Pagnier, Tala Shikh Othman, Liana Warren

The team has been selected for an award based on the following information: the team has shown exceptional professionalism, teamwork, resilience, and dedication in planning and starting to deliver the first phase of the complex relocation of the Physics Teaching Laboratories while maintaining normal teaching activities for the Physics Practical Course, and ensuring an outstanding student experience. Through technical expertise, careful planning, and effective collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, you have helped ensure the continuity of undergraduate practical teaching and laid the foundations for a successful long-term transition.
Photo of Liam Boland and Kieran McCall

HARMONI team members – Department of Physics

Liam Boland and Kieran McCall

Liam and Kieran have both made outstanding contributions to the HARMONI project through technical excellence, innovation, and leadership. Liam transformed instrument testing by developing automated software and measurement tools that improved efficiency, reliability, and reduced technical risk, while Kieran led the creation of a specialist assembly and testing facility that will underpin Oxford's delivery of HARMONI and provide a lasting capability for world-leading astronomical instrumentation. Together, their work has strengthened Oxford's contribution to this flagship international project and will benefit the global astronomy community for years to come.