Professor Jim Naismith’s Annual Reception – Celebrating Collaboration and Excellence Across MPLS

The event provided an opportunity for colleagues to come together in the Division’s newest building and to reflect on another year of collaboration, achievement and innovation across MPLS.

During the opening remarks, Prof Jim Naismith and Prof Martin Maiden welcomed attendees and highlighted the Division’s continued progress across research, teaching and engagement. Jim reflected on the successes of the past year and thanked colleagues for their contributions:

‘It’s been another year of remarkable work and dedication across MPLS. What unites us is our shared commitment to excellence and to supporting one another in all that we do.’

Meet the MPLS Associate Heads

A new feature of this year’s event was a panel session introducing the MPLS Associate Heads, each of whom shared insights into their roles and how they support the Division’s work. The panel included:

• David Wallom – Capital, Estates & Safety
• Dimitra Rigopoulou – Research Degrees
• Martin Castell – Taught Degrees
• Mike Bonsall – Finance & Planning
• Tommaso Pizzari – People
• Wesley Armour – Digital & Information
• Tamsin Mather – Research & Innovation

Each was introduced by their supporting officer, who asked about their remit and how they support colleagues across MPLS. The session offered valuable insights into the breadth of leadership within the Division and the collaborative approach underpinning its success.

Celebrating excellence

The reception also celebrated outstanding contributions across the Division through the MPLS Awards, introduced by Prof Jim Naismith and presented by the Associate Heads:

• MPLS Impact Awards – presented by Prof Tamsin Mather
• MPLS Teaching Awards – presented by Prof Martin Castell
• MPLS Awards for Outstanding Research Supervision – presented by Prof Dimitra Rigopoulou
• MPLS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Awards – presented by Prof Tommaso Pizzari