Staff from across the Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences recently gathered for the institute’s annual Away Day in the stunning surroundings of the Yoko Ono Lennon Centre.
Held on 22 July, the event allowed colleagues to showcase the institute’s achievements over the past year, share strategic updates and plans for the Institute and Faculty, meet up with old friends, and make new connections.
Professor Pete Clegg opened the day by thanking staff for their efforts, reflecting with pride on everything the institute has achieved in the last year and during his tenure as Executive Dean. Professor Shakila Thangaratinam, who assumed the post on 1 August, warmly thanked Pete for his stewardship of the institute and its strong foundations. She outlined the opportunities for the Institute to excel in research and teaching, and to build strong partnerships with the NHS and wider stakeholders.
The opening remarks were followed by talks on Global Engagement and IT business partnering regarding research before Professor Helen Wallace spoke about the institute’s fantastic success in achieving Athena Swan Gold, and how it will continue to promote gender equality. The morning session closed with separate strategic updates for all academic staff and professional services, including an introduction from the New Dean of the School of Medicine, Professor Andy McKeown.
Recognising the diversity of roles within the institute, the afternoon agenda was tailored with dedicated sessions for professional services, teaching and scholarship, and teaching and research staff. Sessions ranged from presentations and round table discussions to the Beat the Box team challenge. Here, randomly assigned teams had to solve a series of fun but challenging puzzles to crack the code and unlock ‘The Box’. Despite some nervy and slightly chaotic final minutes, the Box was beaten, and whilst being a bit of fun, the activity also encouraged and highlighted the benefits of networking and collaboration.
Reflecting on the day, Professor Shakila Thangaratinam said,
“Today’s away day highlighted the breadth and depth of excellence within the Institute in teaching and research across its Schools and Departments, and the brilliant support provided by the professional support staff. I look forward to working closely with this amazing group of individuals in the coming years”.
The day closed with Professor Pete Clegg presenting the staff awards to recognise the efforts of those teams and individuals who have gone above and beyond in the last year to help deliver world-leading research and teaching.
This year’s winners were:
Excellence in a supporting role – Ian Craig Roberts
Collaborator (Two Awards) – Sarah McKernon, Core Skills Team Clinical Skills, Simulation and CCP Teams School of Health and Life Sciences)
Mentor – Helen Wright
Innovator Creator - Nick Longridge and Mike Aspden
Unsung Hero – Jennie Jebb
The Swiss Army Knife – Andy Ainsworth
Wellbeing Supporter – Karen Aughton
Best Newcomer – Thomas Newton
Technical Excellence – Phil Middleton-Smith
PDRA of the Year (Two awards) – Sharna Lunn, Tayfun Dikmen
Student Experience Award – Taz Goddard-Fuller
Efficiency Alchemist - Alzbeta Chabronova
Excellent contribution to PE – Emily Clarke
Team of the Year - Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team