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This year’s Staff Awards ceremony took place at The Spine in Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter, where staff were recognised for their outstanding achievements and dedication.
Almost 200 staff attended the afternoon event, which offered fantastic views of the city. University of Liverpool alumna, Mairead Smyth (pictured above), senior reporter and presenter for BBC North West Tonight and Politics North West, returned to host the awards.
There was a record number of nominations this year – a total of 826 – smashing last year’s record of 752. Staff were recognised across 20 categories, including a sustainability award, reflecting the University’s continued commitment to this important area and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These awards celebrate achievements by colleagues both in research and through impactful initiatives and projects on campus.
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability Award
This award celebrates initiatives on campus or within international research that supports the key ambitions of the University’s Sustainability Strategy. The shortlisted teams or individuals made a significant contribution to the sustainability agenda with proven or potential world-wide or local impact. Open to both Professional Services and academic colleagues.
Individual winner
Sam Hay, Property and Campus Services
Sam has led a successful waste management programme at the University, achieving a 43% reduction in waste sent for incineration. As Waste and Recycling Officer, he has driven improvements in sustainability, reducing waste generation and carbon emissions while securing more sustainable disposal methods. Sam introduced reuse schemes, including furniture reuse, food recycling, and donation schemes, generating social value across Liverpool. His work has resulted in significant cost savings and efficiencies, contributing to the University’s sustainability goals. A strong collaborator, Sam works across departments and with stakeholders to achieve the University’s 50% waste reduction target and has supported student-led recycling projects.
Sam said "It’s an absolute honour to have won this award, especially given the incredible work done by the other nominees, and other colleagues across the university. None of the successes we have achieved so far would have been possible without the commitment and passion shown by our staff and students, so thank you. I’m now very much looking forward to some more exciting projects coming up".
Commended individuals
Dr Sandra Pereira Cachinho, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology
Colleagues have recognised Sandra’s exceptional leadership in advancing sustainability within the Institute. Despite challenges, Sandra led transformative initiatives that improved environmental performance, earning the Institute Silver accreditation through the Laboratory Efficiency Assessment Framework (LEAF) in just 12 months, an achievement that typically takes over two years. She is now leading efforts for Gold accreditation, further enhancing the Institute’s sustainability reputation. Sandra also aligns the Institute with the Climate Plan and Sustainability Strategy 2031, embedding sustainable practices and creating a framework to meet future standards. Her leadership ensures the Institute meets the Wellcome Trust’s requirement for laboratories to achieve at least Bronze accreditation by 2025, safeguarding funding eligibility.
Professor Paula Williamson, Department of Health Data Science
Paula leads several initiatives to address the environmental impact of research activities. An international expert in clinical trials methodology, she transfers environmental practices across domains. Paula has chaired national forums on making biomedical research more sustainable, including co-chairing the Academy of Medical Sciences 2023 Forum on Greener Biomedical Research. She also leads the 2024-25 AMS UK/US Policy Project on Climate Change and Health. Paula drives research projects, securing funding from NIHR and Wellcome to build an evidence-base for greener trials. Her work has influenced Cancer Research UK funding guidance and will feature in the UKRI sustainability hub. Through active engagement with pharmaceutical companies, she shares expertise in low-carbon clinical trials. Paula is a passionate advocate for integrating environmental sustainability into research practice.
Team winner
Residential Services Sustainability Group, Property and Campus Services
The Residential Services Sustainability Group works to improve the environmental impact of the University’s accommodation operations, focusing on areas like circular economy, waste, energy, water, and awareness-raising. The group includes members of the Liverpool Guild of Students to engage residents in sustainability practices. Key initiatives include food waste recycling, reuse schemes for duvets, mattresses, and furniture, energy awareness materials, LED lighting, and water-saving shower heads. These efforts have led to a 10% reduction in waste and £20k+ annual savings in energy costs. The group aligns with the University’s sustainability commitments, contributing to the Waste Management Plan and Climate Plan, and supporting the transition to Net Zero. Led by Sam, the group’s collaborative approach and focus on tangible impact make it a model for driving sustainability through local action.
Sam Pope, Head of Accommodation in Residential Services said “The Residential Services Sustainability group share the same passion to help raise awareness and engage students and staff on our journey to being more sustainable in halls, we have a local action plan that aims to improve sustainable actions both in terms of the buildings and behaviours and contribute toward saving energy, water consumption and recycling and reusing more often. The Group is made up of front-line teams in Residences, Liverpool Guild of Students and working alongside our amazing PCS Sustainability Team.”
Commended teams
The Centre for Sustainable Business, University of Liverpool Management School
Led by Professor Joanne Meehan, the Centre for Sustainable Business (CSB), established in 2022, supports businesses and policymakers in addressing the climate emergency and social justice. The centre has built a community of over 230 businesses, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices. One key initiative is the ‘Shaping Sustainable Futures’ course, which empowers future leaders to develop sustainable practices. Following a successful pilot, the course returned in January 2025, attracting diverse organisations. CSB also collaborated with Professional Services to create a green events plan, promoting eco-friendly practices like using local venues and reducing food waste. This contributed to the University's new Sustainable Events Guidance, helping further integrate sustainability across the institution.
The HLS Ultra-Low Temperature Freezer Project, Liverpool Shared Research Facilities
This team has worked to improve the understanding of Ultra-Low Temperature (ULT) freezers within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. They’ve collected data from 400 freezers, collaborated with freezer reps for energy-efficient models, and worked with procurement to promote sustainable options. ULT freezers consume as much energy as an average household, and with 400 freezers, that’s equivalent to 400 homes! Their efforts have helped the university reduce energy usage and carbon emissions. The team’s passion for sustainability led to the creation of a best-practice guidance document, praised as ’transformational’ by staff. Through networking with other universities, their work continues to drive sustainability in the sector.
Congratulations to all those recognised for their hard work and commitment towards the University.
The full shortlist and details of all the winners and commended colleagues on the Staff Awards intranet site.
Until next year!