Celebrating Researchers 2025 

Every year, the University celebrates the individual achievements, successes and strengths of our research staff by appreciating and recognising their contributions. The nominations on this page highlight the appreciation of the rich tapestry of who they are and what they bring.

In addition to nominating researchers for all their contribution to work and life at University of Liverpool, research staff could be nominated for two Research Staff Champion prizes: the Research Staff Community Champion prize and the Research Culture Champion prize. These nominations were judged by a panel of postgraduate researchers, academic staff and professional services staff. The 2025 Research Staff Champions were awarded their prizes by Professor Georgina Endfield, Dean of the School of Histories, Languages and Culture, at the Research Staff Conference on Wednesday 3rd December 2025. 

The 2025 Champions are shown below, along with all the nominations from Celebrating Researchers 2025:

Research Culture Champion 2025

Dr Kaitlin Schaal

A photo of Kaitlin Schaal

What her nominator(s) said:

Kaitlin is a proactive champion for positive research culture in the group, the local research community, and the wider University. Kaitlin helped instigate our tradition of bi-annual retreats, supporting social integration within the group, especially for new starters. These events offer opportunities for broader discussion around topics such as science communication, and are coupled with lab cleaning days which have enabled sustainable gains in optimising use of space, recycling, and cataloguing inventory. Kaitlin was instrumental in writing our Lab Handbook, a document that helps all new members get up-to-speed with research culture in our group and acts as a touchstone for current members. These activities, alongside sharing of best practices with other labs, have underpinned our LEAF certification, which Kaitlin proactively led to Silver level (now going for Gold). Kaitlin delivered training to the broader IVES Early Career Audience, including on making a personal website, and data management and reproducible research: activities that have promoted an open and collaborative research culture across our institute, and prominently amongst the Early Career community. Kaitlin also volunteered to organise research days, including the 2025 IVES Environmental Change research day. Kaitlin's contributions to research culture are highly valued in the group and beyond.

Research Staff Community Champion

Dr Haifa Alhadyian

A photo of Haifa Alhadyian

What her nominator(s) said:

  1. I am delighted to nominate Dr. Haifa Al Hadyian for the  Research Staff Community Champion Prize. Since the beginning of my PhD, Dr. Al Hadyian has been an inspiring mentor and source of guidance. She has supported me through workplace challenges, shared valuable organisational strategies, and consistently demonstrated leadership through her proactive involvement in our academic community.

    Dr. Al Hadyian has shown exceptional commitment to fostering professional development at the University of Liverpool. Through her appointment with the Liverpool Neuroscience Group, she delivered two career-focused workshops, attracting attendees from UoL, Liverpool John Moores University, and Edge Hill University. She also represented UoL at high-profile outreach events, including the Meet the Scientist event at the World Museum (attended by 850 participants) and British Science Week.

    Her leadership extends beyond UoL. During her PhD, she was appointed as an Early Career Leader for the Genetics Society of America (GSA), where she authored three articles, served as an Education Trainee Representative, reviewed grant applications, and co-organised national conferences. At the University of Kansas, she co-organised three career exploration symposiums and co-developed the Jayhawks Breaking Barriers curriculum to empower undergraduate women. In addition, she has actively volunteered at multiple outreach events in the US.

    Dr. Al Hadyian’s impact as a researcher, mentor, and community leader has been both local and international. She embodies the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and service that this award celebrates. I cannot think of a more deserving candidate.

  2. Haifa Alhadyian is an exceptional postdoctoral researcher whose contributions span far beyond her own project work. As an executive committee member of the Liverpool Neuroscience Group, she has been instrumental in shaping workshops and webinars that open career pathways for students and early-career researchers, as well as creating tailored resources to help postgraduates take control of their professional development. Her leadership and vision are equally evident in her most recent initiative: launching a pioneering webinar and podcast series that brings scientists together across Arab societies, fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and a stronger research culture on a global scale. Within the lab, she continues to mentor undergraduates, share her expertise generously, and drive new projects forward, making her a vital force for both scientific progress and community building.
  3. Haifa Alhadyian is an exceptional postdoc whose impact extends far beyond her own project work. She is always contributing to other projects in addition to her own, whether through active collaborations with other labs or by providing experimental and analytic support to new projects conducted within our group. Within the lab, Haifa never hesitates to help colleagues and is an enthusiastic mentor to undergraduate students, creating an encouraging, inquisitive and intellectually engaging environment where everyone can thrive. Beyond the lab, she plays a pivotal role as an executive committee member of the Liverpool Neuroscience Group, where she organizes workshops and webinars to help students explore career pathways and develop professionally. She has developed tailored resources to empower graduate students and postdocs in managing their own career progression, and she is equally committed to outreach; designing accessible resources that inspire school students to engage with science. Most recently, she has launched a webinar and podcast series to foster scientific collaborations and strengthen research culture within Arab societies, demonstrating her vision and dedication to making science inclusive and globally connected.

Research Culture Champion 2025 - Highly Commended

Dr Iaroslav (Ross) Michurin

What his nominator(s) said:

  1. Ross has demonstrated exceptional commitment to the university's research community by serving as a deputy co-chair of the Research Staff Association (RSA) for several years, where he has actively worked to shape university policy and maximize its beneficial impact on researchers. His efforts in coordinating central support for researcher development, including designing posters and advertising learning and development opportunities and fostering community through monthly coffee mornings and national events, have significantly enhanced the experience and professional growth of research staff. He organized a brilliant volunteering event to raise money for the Paper Cup Project. I'm very happy for this opportunity to nominate Ross and recognize his contributions.
  2. Ross has served on the Research Staff Association Steering Committee for a number of years and has been an inspiring and proactive support to the committee and research staff across the university. I’m always impressed by how positive he is, how much time he’s willing to give to others and how welcoming he is to new research staff. Ross has grown over his time on the committee, becoming an excellent research staff leader and his efforts deserve to be recognised. From supporting individuals to being a driver behind wider initiatives such as the Research Staff Conference, Ross should be incredibly proud and I am thankful for the opportunity to work with him.

Research Staff Community Champion 2025 - Highly Commended

Dr Clarissa Giebel

A photo of Clarissa Giebel

What her nominator(s) said:

It is a pleasure to nominate Dr Clarissa Giebel Senior Research Fellow at the University of Liverpool and NIHR ARC North West Coast, for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. Clarissa’s work has always been about people, not just research outputs. She mentors postdocs, builds international links, and creates spaces where lived experience shapes academic inquiry. In 2019, she founded the Liverpool Dementia & Ageing Research Forum, which has grown into a thriving community of researchers, carers, professionals, and people with dementia, providing a supportive platform where postdocs can share their work and build confidence.

Her commitment to co-production is evident in innovative tools such as the Dementia Inequalities Game, created with people living with dementia, carers, and charities, and a the adapted children’s game designed with families to help children understand more about the people around them who have dementia . Both have sparked powerful conversations and highlighted real-world barriers in dementia care. Clarissa also leads international collaborations and national initiatives like EquaDem Network Plus and the NIHR Dementia and Neurodegeneration Policy Research Unit, ensuring inclusive research communities at every level.

Clarissa exemplifies the values of collaboration, mentorship, and innovation, making her a true University of Liverpool community champion.

Dr Emily Rempel

A photo of Emily Rempel

 

What her nominator(s) said:

I am delighted to nominate Dr. Emily Rempel in recognition of her outstanding leadership during her time at the Civic Data Cooperative, through which she has exemplified a commitment to building research within and with the local Liverpool City Region. Dr. Rempel has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bring people together across disciplines, career stages, and communities. Most notably, she led the Liverpool Residents’ Assembly in March. In this role, Dr. Rempel not only fostered genuine collaboration between residents and researchers but also created a model of civic engagement that strengthened the University’s role as a hub for inclusive and impactful research.

Beyond her direct leadership of the Assembly, Dr. Rempel has consistently championed opportunities for early career researchers to participate in broader dialogues about research identity and what these principles mean in practice. Her mentoring and support have provided colleagues with valuable skills in public engagement, participatory research methods, and leadership within the wider research system at Civic Health Innovation Labs. Dr. Rempel’s contributions embody the spirit of this award: she has built lasting networks, empowered researchers, and ensured that our local community voices remain central to her academic work and the work the Civic Data Cooperative produces.

Our nominees

We would like to celebrate all our nominees as they all contribute to and support the research environment and community at University of Liverpool. Well done!

NameNomination

Dr Aisling Brady

Headshot of Aisling Brady

 Aisling goes above and beyond fostering cohesion of the IVES postdoc community. She has done a stellar job organizing the 2024/2025 seminar series which brings together the community for research discussions and networking. Her hard work is very appreciated!

Dr Andrea Vezzoli

A photo of Andrea Vezzoli

  1. Andrea has endeavoured to foster a great research culture within his own group and the wider molecular electronics community through a great personal support for all of his group members as well as fostering great curiosity and enthusiasm for the wider research and the small details such as the beauty of the work that the entire group does (as seen in his group website beauty of science page). He makes the work much more personal to each member which has inspired and motivated all to be genuinely curious about their work rather than feeling like they're going through the motions.

  2. I am honoured to nominate Dr. Andrea Vezzoli for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. Andrea has shown extraordinary commitment to building a supportive, collaborative, and inspiring research culture within our department and beyond.

    Through his mentorship, Andrea has empowered junior researchers and PhD students to grow in confidence, develop independence, and pursue ambitious research goals. He consistently goes out of his way to provide guidance, constructive feedback, and encouragement, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Andrea’s leadership in fostering interdisciplinary connections has had a profound impact, opening new opportunities for collaboration across chemistry, physics, and engineering. His generosity with time, expertise, and ideas has strengthened not only individual projects, but also the sense of community among researchers.

    What I most hope Andrea will celebrate is his unique ability to combine world-class scientific achievement with genuine care for people. His successes lie not only in advancing molecular electronics research, but also in cultivating a culture of inclusivity, kindness, and shared purpose. These qualities make Andrea an exceptional role model and an outstanding candidate for this award.

  3. I am delighted to nominate Dr. Andrea Vezzoli for the Research Culture Champion Prize. Andrea has made an exceptional contribution to shaping a positive, inclusive, and inspiring research culture within our department and the wider community. He leads by example, fostering an environment where collaboration, respect, and openness thrive. His mentorship has been transformative for junior researchers and PhD students, offering not only scientific guidance but also encouragement and genuine care for their wellbeing. He actively promotes interdisciplinary dialogue, connecting researchers across chemistry, physics, and engineering, which has opened new pathways for innovation and impactful collaborations.

    Andrea’s strengths lie not only in his outstanding research in molecular electronics but also in his commitment to creating a culture where everyone feels valued and supported. His ability to celebrate others’ successes, provide constructive feedback, and encourage ambition has had a lasting impact on colleagues at all career stages. What I most hope Andrea will celebrate is his success in combining world-class research with humanity, inclusivity, and vision—qualities that make him an outstanding role model and a true Research Culture Champion.

  4. Working in this lab is a very collaborative experience. Andrea is always supportive and encourages genuine curiosity in the group. His work ethic is unparalleled and always supports the group academically as well as professionally. He is an excellent researcher who fosters a collaborative environment. I cannot think of anyone more worthy of this award.

  5. Andrea has fostered a lab culture that not only produces great science but also great people. The Vezzoli lab inspires me and those around me to push ourselves in a healthy and collaborative way. 

Ms Ceryce Collie

A photo of Ceryce Collie
  1. I wholeheartedly nominate Ceryce Collie for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. Beyond her dedication to her own project work, she consistently goes above and beyond to support others in the group, always taking time to answer questions, provide guidance, and share her expertise. Ceryce always checks that the rest of the team are doing well, and that no one is struggling with any tasks or their workload. She is an active and enthusiastic mentor to all, especially when we have undergraduate students in the lab, fostering their confidence and growth. Often working behind the scenes, she ensures our lab runs smoothly by keeping essential resources stocked and equipment maintained—contributions that are vital but easily overlooked. Just as importantly, she invests in building a positive and welcoming lab culture, organizing team-building activities and events, and helping new members feel at home. Her combination of hard work, generosity, and commitment to community makes her an outstanding candidate for this recognition.

  2. Ceryce Collie is the heartbeat of our lab community, and I am delighted to nominate her for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. She invests deeply in building a positive culture—organizing team events, welcoming new members, and making sure everyone feels at home. This same spirit of care extends to her day-to-day work: she checks in regularly to ensure no one is overwhelmed and is always generous with her time, offering guidance, answering questions, and sharing her expertise.

    Her impact is especially clear with our undergraduate students, whom she mentors with patience and enthusiasm, helping them develop confidence and independence in the lab. Beyond these visible roles, Ceryce also takes responsibility for the quiet but essential tasks—restocking resources, maintaining equipment, and ensuring the lab runs smoothly—contributions that are often unseen but absolutely vital. Balancing her own project work with these countless acts of support, she exemplifies dedication, generosity, and leadership. For all these reasons, she is a truly outstanding candidate for this recognition.

  3. I am nominating Ceryce for her outstanding contributions as an exceptional team player and her unwavering commitment to our collective success. Ceryce consistently demonstrates a collaborative spirit, actively seeking out opportunities to support her colleagues and elevate our team's work. Her greatest strength lies in her ability to bridge communication gaps and foster a positive, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. She has a remarkable knack for stepping in to offer assistance before being asked, and her proactive approach has been instrumental in keeping our projects on track. Personally, Ceryce's support has been invaluable. She has a way of making challenging tasks feel manageable, and her positive attitude is contagious.

Dr Charlotte Boott

A photo of Charlotte Boott

  1. I am nominating Charlotte Boott for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize in recognition of her outstanding commitment to supporting and empowering researchers. As my research coordinator, she has consistently gone beyond her formal role to foster an environment where research staff can thrive. She actively guided me to meet my research goals on time, while also helping me navigate and remove obstacles outside of research that could have hindered my progress.

    Her thoughtful time management advice and ability to help me clarify priorities have been invaluable, not only for my individual development but also for strengthening our team’s collective capacity. By creating space for open discussion, offering mentorship, and modelling effective leadership, she has made a lasting impact on my confidence and ability to plan strategically as a researcher. Her dedication exemplifies the spirit of community building and advocacy that this prize celebrates, and I believe her contributions deserve recognition by the wider University of Liverpool research community.

  2. I am nominating Charlotte for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize because of her exceptional support and dedication to PhD students. Charlotte is both responsible and deeply supportive, always making time to guide, encourage, and reassure us throughout the challenges of research life. Her willingness to share her experience and provide advice makes a real difference to our confidence and progress.
  3. I am nominating Charlotte for the Research Culture Champion Prize in recognition of her outstanding commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and inclusive research environment. Charlotte embodies responsibility and care, and her dedication to supporting PhD students has had a transformative impact on our community.
  4. I would like to nominate Dr. Charlotte Boott, my PhD second supervisor and Research Coordinator in Cooper Group at the Department of Chemistry, for her exceptional leadership in supporting researchers and fostering a strong community within the University of Liverpool.
    She has been instrumental in coordinating resources within our large research group, enabling PGRs and postdocs to work effectively and productively. In the past year alone, she has successfully guided her small group to publish three papers, demonstrating her ability to combine supervision with tangible research outcomes. Alongside detailed support for my daily work, papers, and thesis, she provides the same level of mentorship to others, strengthening the development of early-career researchers. 
    Her leadership also extends to laboratory safety management: she oversees inductions for new researchers, coordinates risk assessments, and ensures compliance with University policies, creating a safe and well-structured working environment for the whole group. In addition, she organises forums and training that promote collaboration, leadership skills, and wider engagement with the research system.
    Through her commitment to mentorship, safety, and community building, Charlotte has created an inclusive and productive culture that makes her a highly deserving nominee for this recognition.

Dr Christopher Hill

A photo of Christopher Hill

I am delighted to nominate Dr Christopher Hill for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. Chris has made an outstanding contribution to building a supportive and collaborative research community at the University of Liverpool, particularly within the Centre for Women’s Health. He consistently goes above and beyond his role as a postdoctoral researcher to connect colleagues across departments, career stages, and disciplines.

For us as PGRs, having Chris as our postdoc makes the PhD journey far easier to navigate. He is an approachable and generous mentor, always willing to share advice on research design, career development, and wellbeing. His inclusive attitude ensures that everyone feels welcome and supported, fostering confidence and a real sense of belonging.

Alongside this, Chris works tirelessly to help our clinical colleagues progress their research, providing expertise that strengthens collaboration between scientists and doctors. By championing opportunities for development and encouraging teamwork, he has helped to build a thriving research environment.

Having studied and worked at Liverpool throughout his career, Chris shows a deep commitment to making a positive and lasting impact on the University’s research culture. He truly embodies the spirit of this award.

Dr Cordelia Dunai

Photo of Cordelia Dunai

Cordelia is an exceptional early-career researcher who studies neurological complications from viral infections.

Besides her postdoc research work, she served as a co-chair for the Research Staff Association for two years and as IVES postdoc association core team member for 4 years.

She did a great job helping organise lunch and learns, National Postdoc Appreciation Week events, seed funding events, and the annual researcher staff conference.

Dr Emily Herschell-Kelly

 
  1. I don't work in the same research team as Emily but I've seen her go above and beyond for her research team and well above the requirements of her job role on a daily basis. She has provided a huge amount of support to a new PhD student in her team and I don't believe she's getting enough recognition for all her hard work!
  2. Emily has gone above and beyond in helping people within and outside of her team. Within her team she has been helping a PhD student with report writing, experimental planning, and teaching lab techniques. Emily has also been a positive influence on the wellbeing of her colleagues, and has offered amazing support when difficult personal circumstances have arisen amongst colleagues. Emily has been fantastic to work with and her colleagues are very thankful for all of her help.

Dr Francisco Munguia-Galeano

 

I am nominating Dr. Francisco Munguia-Galeano for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the research community and his dedication to supporting colleagues. Francisco has consistently gone above and beyond his own research, creating an inclusive and collaborative environment where others can thrive.

As a Research Associate at the University of Liverpool, he has not only advanced robotics and AI through his innovative projects, but has also generously shared his expertise,  from mentoring junior researchers to supporting peers with technical challenges in robotics, coding, and automation. His approachable nature, willingness to collaborate, and genuine enthusiasm for research have made him a valued and trusted colleague.

Francisco celebrates teamwork, resilience, and creativity in research, and he actively champions knowledge exchange across disciplines. His impact is evident in the way he empowers others to grow in confidence and achieve success, both academically and professionally.

Recognising Francisco with this prize would celebrate his achievements as a researcher and highlight the supportive, community-minded approach that makes him a true champion within the research staff community.

Dr Franklyn Egbe

A photo of Franklyn Egbe

 Dr. Franklyn Egbe is a fantastic colleague. He is also the recipient of the Wellcome Accelerator Award which is a powerful testament to his ground-breaking research and visionary leadership in the field. This prestigious recognition highlights the immense potential of his work to understand encephalitis and directly impact human health. It is an absolute privilege to collaborate with a colleague whose commitment to scientific excellence and collaborative spirit is a constant source of inspiration. 

Dr Graeme Pitt

A photo of Graeme Pitt

 As the only technician in the biomaterial labs, Graeme goes above and beyond to support PGR and staff within the department. Graeme tirelessly dedicates himself to running the lab, managing ordering, equipment maintenance, whilst also teaching a Master's lab skills module.

Dr Joshua Gardner

A photo of Joshua Gardner

I am delighted to nominate Dr Joshua Gardner as he has demonstrated initiative, leadership and a strong passion for research since completing his PhD in 2022. In this short time, Dr Gardner identified an unexpected immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine which made UK headlines and formed the basis of his successful Wellcome Trust Early Career Award (£713,000). Throughout 2025, Dr Gardner spent significant time at the US Food and Drug Administration and Niigata University in Japan, forming new collaborations to enhance knowledge exchange and interdisciplinary initiatives. He recently presented the joint American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics and British Toxicology Society Guest Lectureship at the ASPET Annual Meeting in Portland, Oregon. 

Dr Gardner is also a valued member of the Immunopharmacology Group, responsible for supervising three PhD students and providing the group with continual mentorship and support whilst promoting a positive and inclusive research culture. He also contributes to sustainability, having improved current laboratory practices which lead to a Silver Leaf Award for sustainability. 

Dr Joshua Gardner is an up-and-coming researcher at the University and following his professional achievements and dedication to an inclusive, supportive, sustainable and global research culture, he would be a worthy award recipient.  

Dr Juliet Spedding

 

 Juliet is not only an outstanding researcher but an outstanding person. Despite being an incredibly busy researcher, she has found time to act as a mentor and provide guidance to PGRs. She has been a support to many PGRs in ACE, and has gone above and beyond (often beyond their own supervisors) to provide a sounding board, advice, or just someone to talk to when things get too much. She has often provided guidance on the PhD process, demystifying what can often seem daunting to new PGRs, and has been a calm presence within the department for many years. Many of us would not have managed to come out of our PhDs in one piece if it were not for her support. She is the type of researcher academia needs more of, and never seems to have enough of - someone who is kind, sensitive, and genuinely good at what she does. She consistently produces excellent research, teaches students in a firm but fair manner, and often makes the most complex topics simple to understand. I can honestly say that Juliet has taught me how to be a good researcher, and (even more importantly) how to be a good person.

Dr Lucy Corrigan

A photo of Lucy Corrigan

 Lucy volunteered to be my second reviewer on two of my projects for my Ph.D. Lucy has shown curiosity, scientific mindset, kindness, passion, a wonderful character, and an amazing work ethic. Her contributions have been highly valuable to the furthering of the research. I know that she has also gotten involved in multiple other projects and continues to demonstrate an eagerness to assist with the research being conducted in the university. She is an absolute joy to work with.

Dr Murielle Baltazar

 

 Dr. Murielle Baltazar is an exceptional collaborator whose sharp analytical skills and unwavering dedication have consistently led to innovative solutions and a deeper understanding of our research. Her generosity and supportive demeanor have fostered a positive and dynamic environment, making her an invaluable asset who has elevated the quality of our collective work. The impact of her significant contributions already extends beyond our research group, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from such a brilliant and kind colleague.

Dr Nicholas Rekuski

A photo of Nick Rekuski

I am delighted to nominate Nick Rekuski for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. Since joining the mathematics department as a postdoc eighteen months ago, Nick has made an outstanding contribution to our pure mathematics community.

First of all, Nick has brought lots of fresh energy and enthusiasm into several of our existing initiatives. As co-organizer of both the Algebraic Geometry Research Seminar and Algebraic Geometry Working Seminar, he has contributed to a vibrant intellectual exchange within the Algebraic Geometry group as well as with many other algebraic geometers in the UK. He is also co-organizing a three-day workshop for March 2026 featuring several renowned international speakers, further connecting our department with the broader mathematical community.

Nick has also helped to restart the weekly Pure Maths lunch, which is an important space for colleagues to connect and build relationships across research areas.

His impact on our doctoral researchers has been particularly significant. Nick regularly engages with PGRs about their mathematical research, providing thoughtful feedback and guidance. He has also been mentoring our PGR students who are about to enter the job market, including generously sharing his own application materials.

Nick has made a real difference in making our department feel more connected, more sociable, more open towards the broader mathematical community, and more enthusiastic about research. We are lucky to have him!

Dr Robert Heaton

 

I am delighted to nominate Dr Robert Heaton for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. Since joining our group earlier this year, Robert has quickly become an invaluable member of the team. He has had an immediate positive impact by fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative environment where every member feels supported and valued.

Robert is always there for the PGRs, offering thoughtful advice, encouragement, and a listening ear. His approachable nature and willingness to share his expertise make him a trusted source of guidance, helping us to navigate challenges in our research and wider development with confidence.

Beyond his mentoring role, Robert is a key player in building team spirit and collaboration. He actively contributes to creating a positive research culture where open discussion and mutual support are prioritised, ensuring that early career researchers feel empowered and part of a strong community.

Robert’s dedication, kindness, and inclusivity set an outstanding example of research leadership, and his contribution has already made a lasting difference to our group. He truly embodies the values of the Research Staff Community Champion Prize.

Dr Sibel Cal Kayitmazbatir
  1. Sibel joined the Research Staff Association Steering Committee this year and has already made a huge contribution, working hard on a whole range of projects to improve and strengthen the research environment. In particular, her work to gain sponsorship for the Research Staff Conference has been outstanding. Sibel brings energy and experience to everything she does and it’s a pleasure working with her on various initiatives for the RSA. 

  2. I would like to nominate myself as a Research Staff Community Champion. I am one of those who doesn’t often “shout out” about their work, but I believe it is important to celebrate small victories.

    Over the past year, I have:
    -Taken on the role of Deputy Co-Chair for the RSA and actively contributed to organising the RSA Conference.

    -Earned the 'My Green Lab Ambassador Certificate' to promote and support more sustainable research practices.

    -While doing the research/writing related to my postdoc projects, I have also prepared and submitted a fellowship application.

    -Participated in a 'Pint of Science' public engagement event, sharing research with the wider community.

    -Begun preparing my first lecture for a master’s degree module.

    -And, alongside all of this, I am also the mother of a four-year-old, an ongoing reminder that good time management is essential.

    This self-nomination is not only for myself, but also as a recognition of all postdocs who juggle research, teaching, outreach, personal development, and family life. Many of us are doing countless things at the same time, striving to remain fully human while contributing to our communities—and often without the time to nominate ourselves.

Dr Tessa Walsh

 

 Tess is your typical unassuming hero - she doesn't really how much of an impact she makes on those around her. She mentors new PGRs in lab techniques for a multitude of complex protocols and fields endless questions with a smile and endless detail. She has a way of explaining things that makes sense. Her career is inspiring - her work as a post doc has seen her working on a lateral flow test that has been released by a pharmaceutical company to vets and the wider industry. She contributes greatly in team meetings with experienced advice and has a valued network - she knows exactly who to find in the wider research system. She is a true cornerstone to the research community! 

 

Honourable mentions

Nominations for Celebrating Researchers are eligible for research staff only - postdocs, research fellows, research assistants, research technicians, etc. In 2025 we also received a few nominations for academic staff (lecturers, senior lecturers, readers and professors). Whilst they were ineligible for Celebrating Researchers, we wanted to flag them in our honourable mentions category below:

Name Nomination

Dr Aaron Finney

 They helped build a safe and fostering environment. Helped to bring the awareness for computational materials engineering, which is a very niche subject. 

Dr Christos Zachariades

I am nominating Dr. Christos Zachariades for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize in recognition of his exceptional commitment to supporting and empowering researchers. Beyond his academic expertise, Christos fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment where every team member feels valued and encouraged to contribute.

He has been instrumental in guiding me and others to develop technical skills, confidence, and resilience, while also creating opportunities for collaboration and professional growth. Through mentoring, workshops, and peer-support initiatives, he helps researchers navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and remain motivated throughout demanding stages of their work.

What I hope Christos will celebrate through this nomination is his remarkable ability to lead with empathy and integrity. His achievements are not only reflected in research outputs, but also in the supportive culture he has built. His positive impact continues to inspire and empower those around him, truly embodying the spirit of a Research Staff Community Champion.

Prof Francisco Rowe

 Francisco’s leadership of the Geographic Data Science Lab (GDSL) has been a model of inclusive and supportive research culture. Through the implementation of a group-wide code of conduct, they have fostered an environment where all voices are valued. Francisco actively promotes diverse modes of engagement—such as online surveys, anonymous voting, and open discussion forums—to ensure broad participation and consensus-building. Their commitment to inclusivity is matched by a quiet dedication to uplifting others: they regularly profile group members internally and externally, often taking on additional workload to highlight the achievements of people in GDSL through secret prize nominations and social media posts. This thoughtful recognition builds confidence and encourages a culture of mutual appreciation. Francisco’s efforts have created a space where wellbeing, diversity, and collaboration are not just encouraged but embedded in the group’s ethos.

Dr Miriam Guenther

  1. I am nominating Dr. Miriam Guenther for the Researcher Community Champion Award in recognition of her outstanding contributions to marketing research in 2024–2025. Miriam has produced several highly impactful publications in top-tier journals, including the Journal of Marketing (UTD-ranked, Top 1 in our field) and Industrial Marketing Management (ABS3), demonstrating both academic excellence and methodological leadership. Notably, her tutorial on PLS-SEM and reflective constructs has received significant citations (568) within just two years, highlighting its influence in advancing marketing research methods. Recently, she was invited to join the editorial board of Industrial Marketing Management.

    In addition to methodological innovation, Miriam has co-authored multiple papers addressing key topics such as propensity score modelling, advertising effects in business markets, and marketing asset accountability. Her work not only pushes the boundaries of theory but also provides practical guidance for researchers navigating complex marketing challenges.

  2. I am nominating Dr. Miriam Guenther for the Researcher Community Champion Award for her outstanding contributions to developing the quantitative marketing community through education and training. Miriam has designed and implemented innovative quantitative marketing modules for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Her teaching combines seminar-based guidance, online tutorials, and practical assignments that tackle real-world problems using Amazon datasets, text analysis, applied statistics, and data analytics.

    These modules not only equip students with strong analytical skills but also prepare them for careers in quantitative marketing, bridging the gap between theory and practice. By providing clear, hands-on support and creating resources that are widely accessible, Miriam has empowered many students to gain confidence in complex methods and pursue careers in data-driven marketing.

    Her efforts go beyond traditional teaching: she builds capacity in the research community by fostering methodological competence, practical problem-solving, and data literacy among the next generation of marketing scholars. Miriam’s dedication to education and mentorship exemplifies a true community champion, positively impacting students and strengthening the broader quantitative marketing community.

Dr Rachel Ashman

 I am nominating Dr Rachel Ashman. I work under her supervision as a PGR, and she has a great impact on my improvement in my project. She is very focused on what she wants to provide in research, but she is also so open to think with new researchers about different and unusual approaches in her area. Rachel has a long history in research and reading that makes everyone feel on the right track with her, and anything she is involved in as a real milestone in ones academic career. 
Rachel has also a great contribution in marketing and consumer research through publishing a number of research papers on prestigious four-star journals.

Prof Stefania Tufi

 I would like to nominate Professor Stefania Tufi for the Research Staff Community Champion Prize. I first met Stefania in 2017 for an informal chat about a potential PhD opportunity at Liverpool, and I instantly felt I would be in the most nurturing and supportive hands if I were accepted. Luckily, I was – and as one of her supervisees, I soon discovered just how incredibly knowledgeable, generous with her time, and genuinely altruistic she is.
After completing my PhD and returning to Liverpool as a postdoc on her project, our professional relationship deepened into one of full trust and peerage. Stefania is a true champion of fostering a supportive and collegial research environment: she builds bridges across disciplines, mentors tirelessly, and always goes out of her way to create opportunities for those around her.
She deserves to be celebrated not only for her central role in Italian Studies at LCF over the years, but also for her generosity as a teacher and supervisor, her collegiality with staff at every level, and her commitment to nurturing others. Stefania’s leadership is inspiring, and I am sure that her impact will continue to ripple into the future.