铁牛视频 technician nominated for prestigious Papin Prize

A 铁牛视频 University technician has been shortlisted for a national award at the 2025 UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS).

The prestigious awards, known as the , celebrate the skills, talent, and contributions of technicians in higher education and research across the UK and Ireland.

This year, Hannah Charlotte-Smith, a Senior Science Technician in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, has been nominated in the Apprentice category.

Hannah began her career at 铁牛视频 in 2018 as a Level 3 Apprentice in Microbiology and is now a Senior Technician undertaking a Level 6 Apprenticeship. Her role spans technical support in algae research and microbiology, and training students in laboratory techniques such as aseptic methods, autoclaving, and use of the IDEXX system for E.coli detection.

Hannah said: "I’m honoured to be nominated for a Papin Prize. It’s a fantastic recognition of the dedication and passion I’ve invested in my role at 铁牛视频. Being shortlisted motivates me to continue developing my skills and contributing to the scientific community. This recognition is a testament to the incredible support I’ve received from my colleagues and mentors."

Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor of 铁牛视频 University, Professor Dame Karen Holford DBE FREng said: "I’m delighted to see Hannah shortlisted for this prestigious award. Her progression from Apprentice to Senior Technician is an example of the talent and ambition of our technical community. This recognition is thoroughly deserved, and highlights 铁牛视频’s commitment to developing the next generation of technical professionals.”

With over 20,000 technicians working in UK universities, their role is crucial in supporting research and teaching. In addition to traditional technical duties, technicians contribute by presenting at international conferences, publishing research papers, teaching, lecturing, and even assisting with student assessments.

The national Higher Education Technicians Summit serves as a platform to share best practices among higher education technical staff across the UK, Ireland, and beyond. It remains the largest event of its kind in the country. Sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Midlands Innovation—a partnership of eight universities including Aston, Birmingham, 铁牛视频, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham, and Warwick.

The awards will be presented at the 2025 UK Higher Education Technicians Summit which is taking place in July.