Winners of the 2024/25 MPLS Awards for Outstanding Research Supervision announced

Dr Mustafa Bakr (Department of Physics)

Dr Mustafa Bakr is a Quantum Technology Research Fellow at the Department of Physics. He researches new types of miniature and high-performance microwave devices for wireless infrastructure and quantum computing.

Mustafa’s strengths lie in his ability to develop his students' skills, foster a positive and inclusive working culture, and offer unwavering support for his students. He supports his research group members by providing opportunities that align with their individual interests and strengths. He encourages engagement in various aspects of quantum technology, from experimental techniques to theoretical modelling and computational analysis. One nominator notes, "Dr Bakr empowers members of our research group by providing opportunities that align with our individual interests and strengths."

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment is a cornerstone of Mustafa’s supervision. He fosters open communication, ensuring that every group member feels valued and heard. His commitment to inclusivity is evident in his efforts to build a diverse team and provide equal opportunities for all. Another nominator highlights this by saying, "Dr Bakr always encouraged us to take care of ourselves, get enough rest, and recognise that we need to be healthy people first to undertake quality research second."

Dr Bakr consistently exceeds the essentials of supervision by connecting students with experts for interdisciplinary research and establishing international collaborations. His proactive problem-solving and dedication to his students' success is exemplified by his initiative to establish an international collaboration with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. One nominator emphasises this by stating, "his initiative to establish international collaborations has opened doors for group members to gain experience abroad, enriching our research perspectives."

In summary, Dr Bakr’s exceptional mentorship, inclusive leadership, and dedication to his students' development have made him a deserving recipient of the MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision.

Professor Philip Burrows (Department of Physics)

Professor Philip Burrows is a Professor of Physics, Director of the John Adams Institute for Accelerator Science, and Senior Research Fellow in Physics at Jesus College. His research is focused on the design of beam delivery systems for high-energy subatomic particle colliders and beamlines.

Phil’s exceptional dedication, empathy, and unwavering support for his students is evident in every aspect of his supervision. His ability to respond promptly and appropriately to the needs of his students, both on a personal and professional level, speaks to his empathetic nature. "Phil has always shown a huge amount of care and attention to every member of our research group," one nominator noted. His approachability and kindness make students feel comfortable sharing their concerns, knowing they will be met with understanding and support.

Despite his numerous commitments, Phil consistently makes time for his students, whether through regular in-person and online meetings or by responding quickly to emails. His dedication to maintaining a supportive and inclusive group atmosphere is evident from the moment new members join the John Adams Institute (JAI). "Phil made our integration very easy by creating a friendly, caring, and positive group atmosphere," a nominator shared.

Phil's support extends beyond the local environment, as he actively facilitates international collaborations, enabling his students to work at prestigious research institutes like CERN and ATF (Japan). His efforts to ensure students' well-being during these experiences, even during the pandemic, highlight his exceptional commitment. "Phil went above and beyond to make sure his students, who were often away from home, were okay and felt supported," a student recalled.

Phil is very dedicated in helping his students to develop their careers. He encourages them to present their research at international conferences and workshops, providing valuable feedback and promoting their work. "His mentorship enabled us to publicise our work and form future research collaborations of our own," a student remarked.

In summary, Phil’s empathy, dedication, and unwavering support have profoundly impacted his students’ personal and professional lives, making him a deserving recipient of the MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision.

Professor Coralia Cartis (Mathematical Institute)

Professor Coralia Cartis is a Professor of Numerical Optimisation at the Mathematical Institute and a Fellow of Balliol College. Her research focuses on numerical algorithms for optimisation problems, with an emphasis on nonconvex problems, complexity analysis, and applications in fields such as compressed sensing and climate modelling.

Her commitment to academic excellence, her highly supportive approach to supervision, and her dedication to the well-being of her students and postdoctoral researchers distinguish her as an exceptional mentor. She provides clear research direction while fostering independence, equipping her students with the skills to tackle complex mathematical challenges. Highly engaged in their progress, she offers regular one-to-one meetings, detailed feedback, and personalised career guidance. She actively prepares her research students for their future by structuring their DPhil programmes with clear milestones, advising on conference and journal selections, and supporting applications for postdoctoral positions. As one nominator explains: “she helped me map out my research into distinct phases, guiding me on when and where to present my work to maximise its impact.”

Coralia also cultivates a collaborative and inclusive research environment. She encourages teamwork, facilitates interdisciplinary connections, and proactively resolves challenges. When her research student encountered a research overlap with a peer from another group, she diplomatically intervened to ensure both projects could thrive, turning a potential conflict into a successful collaboration.

As another nominator sums up, “Professor Cartis’s ability to guide, support, and inspire makes her truly deserving of the Excellence in Research Supervision Award.”

Professor Katrina Davis (Department of Biology)

Professor Katrina Davis is an Associate Professor of Conservation Biology in the Department of Biology. Her research is focused on identifying the optimal management of environmental resources to maximise conservation and human welfare outcomes.

Katrina is known for her commitment to skill sharing and knowledge transfer. She runs weekly workshops on academic writing and demographic modelling and maintains a library of books on various subjects. One nomination notes that "Katrina is excellent at sharing her skills and knowledge to the benefit of her group and also encourages her students to do the same." She also recommends online courses and resources, ensuring her students have access to the best tools for their development.

Her ability to create a positive and inclusive working culture is another key strength. Katrina is described as "friendly and approachable," making students feel valued both as academics and individuals. She celebrates students' birthdays and achievements with cake and organises social events like punting and picnics. One nomination notes, "Katrina helps to foster a very friendly group dynamic so that lab group meetings feel like meetings of friends as well as of colleagues."

Katrina's focus on student well-being is evident in her regular check-ins with students, especially those struggling, and her approachability. She ensures students can take time off for illness or personal difficulties. One nominator states, "she checks in frequently with students she knows are struggling and makes herself approachable to students experiencing difficulties."

Finally, Katrina's career support is invaluable. She circulates details of relevant talks, workshops, and papers, and encourages students to apply for awards and grants. She offers career advice and helps students gain career-advancing opportunities. One nominator mentions, "Katrina has been instrumental in enabling me to pursue a career in Academia."

For these reasons, Katrina Davis is a deserving recipient of the MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision, recognising her exceptional contributions to her students' academic and personal growth.

Dr Michael Gray (Department of Engineering Science)

Dr Michael Gray is a Senior Research Fellow in Clinical Therapeutic Ultrasound. His work involves ultrasound-mediated drug delivery for abdominal organ cancers, non-invasive treatment monitoring, and developing devices that use sound, magnetism, and light for targeted drug delivery.

Mike is known for his approachability, technical expertise, and hands-on supervision, empowering early career researchers with the confidence and skills to lead projects and advance in their careers. He is always available to discuss research challenges, explain complex technical concepts with clarity, or provide practical problem-solving strategies. As one nominator recalls, “Mike was the first person I turned to for advice – his support was unwavering”. He sets high standards for safe, effective, and reproducible experimental work, leading by example through patience and professionalism.

Beyond technical mentorship, Mike fosters an inclusive and supportive research culture, ensuring researchers feel happy, healthy, and valued at work. In group meetings, he encourages open discussion, making sure all members, regardless of seniority, have opportunities to contribute. His feedback is described as “refreshingly direct, genuine, and constructive,” creating an environment where researchers are supported and able to grow.

Mike actively advocates for early career researchers, helping with job applications, securing career opportunities, and helping them build professional networks. As another nominator reflects, “senior researchers like Mike play a crucial yet often under-recognised role in shaping the day-to-day experience and development of students. His influence continues to resonate in my own work.” The MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision serves to recognise exactly that kind of impact – mentorship that extends beyond formal supervision, shaping the professional and personal growth of researchers in meaningful ways.

Dr Darragh Hare (Department of Biology and WildCRU)

Dr Darragh Hare is a Research Fellow at the Department of Biology and Pembroke College. He combines applied and basic research to study controversial issues in biodiversity conservation. His applied research focuses on conservation conflicts: acrimonious, morally fraught divisions over wildlife conservation and governance.

One of Darragh’s strongest assets is his ability to tailor his mentorship to each student's learning style and goals, providing hands-on training in technical skills and academic writing. As one nominator noted, "Darragh goes above and beyond in helping each member of the research group enhance their skills" by encouraging junior members to lead research projects. They also benefit from his well-crafted, thoughtful, and constructive feedback.

Darragh's commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment is another key strength. He ensures that all voices in the group are amplified by facilitating open discussions while respecting individual perspectives. This has made the team more cohesive and innovative, particularly in the controversial areas of wildlife conservation research they work in.

Beyond academic support, Darragh is dedicated to the well-being of his group members. He regularly checks in to ensure no one is overwhelmed and promotes a healthy work-life balance. One nominator shared a personal experience: "Prior to travelling overseas for my first research trip to Zimbabwe, Darragh took a day out of his weekend to drive us to various outdoor stores to make sure I had all the equipment I needed."

Darragh's comprehensive approach to supervision extends to networking and advocating for his students. He connects them with international researchers and industry leaders and even invites them to speak at conferences in his place. His dedication to securing funding and resources for students' projects further demonstrates his commitment to their success.

To conclude, Dr. Hare's exceptional mentorship, inclusive environment, and holistic support for his students make him a truly outstanding research supervisor. His award is a fitting recognition of his unwavering dedication and the positive impact he has on his research group.

Professor Matthew Langton (Department of Chemistry)

Professor Matthew Langton is an Associate Professor of Inorganic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry. His research is in the broad areas of supramolecular chemistry and coordination chemistry, focusing on areas where these fields overlap with biological chemistry, lipid bilayer membrane chemistry and molecular nanotechnology.

Matt’s approach to supervision is characterised by empathy, accessibility, and a commitment to work-life balance, making him a standout mentor in the academic community.

Matt’s ability to foster a positive and reassuring atmosphere is a great asset. He understands the challenges of academia and provides consistent support, even when research does not go as planned. As one nominator noted, "he is very understanding when day-to-day research goes awry, and always responds with a forward-looking and positive attitude." This empathetic approach helps his students feel valued and motivated to achieve their best.

Matt is also highly accessible to his students, ensuring they always feel supported. He holds regular one-to-one and subgroup meetings and encourages students to reach out to him whenever needed. His prompt communication is a testament to his dedication, with one nominator remarking, "he consistently replies promptly to emails from his students, which shows that he prioritises the people he works with." This level of accessibility and responsiveness is crucial in maintaining a productive and supportive research environment.

Moreover, Matt places a strong emphasis on work-life balance, advocating for a standard work week and makes it clear that he expects "no one in the group to work anything other than a standard, 9-5 Monday-Friday work week." This policy, along with his zero-tolerance for lone working and respect for religious and family requirements, demonstrates his commitment to his group's well-being. He organises various social events, such as group tea breaks, welcome outings, and annual celebrations, to foster a sense of community and inclusivity. One nominator notes, "the warm atmosphere and tight-knit community within the Langton group is a testament to Matt’s efforts to provide an inclusive and safe space of work."

In summary, Matthew Langton's strengths lie in his empathetic supervision, accessibility, and commitment to work-life balance, making him a deserving recipient of the MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision. His ability to create a supportive and inclusive environment has had a profound impact on his students' academic and personal growth.

Professor Claire Nichols (Department of Earth Sciences)

Professor Claire Nichols is an Associate Professor of the Geology of Planetary Processes at the Department of Earth Sciences. She uses magnetism as a novel tool to understand Earth and planetary formation, the environment of early Earth and planetary habitability.

Claire’s supervision style is characterised as a genuine partnership, where she actively seeks feedback and tailors her approach to meet individual needs. This personalised mentorship has created a lab environment that her students describe as a "second family," fostering both academic excellence and personal well-being.

One of Claire's qualities is her unwavering support for her students' independent research goals. She goes above and beyond even when their interests diverge from her own. As one nominator noted, "Claire will go out of her way to provide contacts and support: she will set up calls or make introductions in person." This dedication has led to successful collaborations and high-impact academic work, including multiple peer-reviewed publications.

Claire's holistic approach extends beyond academic support, as she encourages students to engage in teaching, leadership opportunities, and sports, promoting well-rounded development. Her genuine warmth and organisation of social events further enhance the supportive and inclusive atmosphere of her lab.

Moreover, Claire's commitment to her students' mental well-being is exemplary. One nominator commented, "Claire has made it a point to frequently check in with us ensuring that our mental wellbeing is her and our first priority." This pastoral care, combined with her scientific guidance, makes her an outstanding supervisor.

In summary, Professor Nichols' ability to inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and support her students both academically and personally has earned her the MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision.

Professor Alexander A Schekochihin (Department of Physics)

Professor Alexander A. Schekochihin is a Professor of Theoretical Physics, Head of the Theoretical Astrophysics and Plasma Physics Group, and a Fellow of Merton College. His research explores the fundamental nature and practical implications of turbulence in plasmas.

Alex’s supervision is recognised for its intellectual depth, encouragement of independent thinking, and commitment to the academic and professional development of his students and postdoctoral researchers. As one nominator describes, “his mentorship strikes the perfect balance between allowing his mentees to pursue their interests naturally while providing guidance to navigate the unknown together.”

He ensures that early career researchers take ownership of their work while benefiting from his vast expertise. His open-door policy and dedication to supporting his mentees mean that discussions are never rushed, and his enthusiasm for discovery is contagious. One nominator notes: “weekly meetings are scheduled for an hour, but he will gladly meet for hours if an exciting development emerges or something needs to be figured out.”

Alex goes far beyond the standard expectations of supervision, securing funding when needed, recommending students for conferences and invited talks, and actively creating networking opportunities. His mentorship has led to outstanding achievements, with five of his research students winning the European Physical Society’s PhD thesis prize in plasma physics. Many of his former students and postdocs now hold prestigious positions at institutions such as Oxford, Princeton, and MIT.

Alex’s humour, approachability, and genuine care for his group members make the Plasma Theory Group a thriving, intellectually stimulating and welcoming community. As another nominator puts it, “Alex is not only a fantastic supervisor, but he creates students who will follow his legacy and become great supervisors too.” This lasting impact, combined with his exceptional mentorship and commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive research environment, makes him fully deserving of the MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision.

Professor Rachel Tanner (Department of Biology)

Professor Rachel Tanner is an Associate Professor of One Health in the Department of Biology. Her research is concerned with tuberculosis (TB) in humans and cattle, with a focus on vaccine design and evaluation.

Rachel is highly regarded for her ability to recognise and nurture the unique strengths and working styles of her team members. One nominator highlighted, "Rachel values diverse personalities and she has a unique ability to recognise every individual’s comfortable working style, strengths, and weaknesses." This personalised approach has enabled her team members to develop their skills effectively. Another nominator noted that Rachel’s “supervisory approach perfectly balanced structure and independence, which helped me grow as a researcher."

Creating a positive and inclusive working environment is another of Rachel’s key strengths. She is described as approachable and responsive, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where everyone's opinions are valued. "Rachel welcomes every individual’s opinion. She is approachable, responds to communication promptly and is always willing to listen," one nominator stated. This inclusive culture has helped her team members feel supported and respected, contributing to their overall productivity and well-being.

Her commitment to her team's professional and personal development is evident in her willingness to go above and beyond her supervisory duties. She not only provides guidance and training but also actively participates in lab work during busy periods. One nominator shared, "She was able to drop everything else she had to do in the office and she joined me in the lab for the entire week to help in sample processing." This level of dedication and support has made a significant impact on her team's success.

In summary, Professor Tanner's outstanding mentorship, commitment to inclusivity, and dedication to her team's development have earned her this well-deserved award. Her nominators' heartfelt testimonials underscore her exceptional qualities and the positive impact she has had on their professional growth.