The Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine Staff Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate and value the diverse contributions of staff across three categories: Research, People & Culture and Education.
We are delighted to announce our 2025 winners, who were presented with their awards at a special event on the Guy’s campus on 8 July hosted by Executive Dean for the Faculty, Professor Ajay Shah.
Link to Sharepoint awards page
Research Awards
Collaborative Research Excellence Award
This award recognises team science, where successful collaboration has been critical to the success of the research.
Winner:
Neuroimmune Interactions in Health & Disease (NIIHD) team,
School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences
Following a King’s Together Strategic Award in 2018, Professor Taams and colleagues have nurtured the burgeoning field of Neuro-immunology, building a wider neuro-immune research community at King’s and beyond, and raising our national and international profile in the fields of basic and translational inflammation and neuroscience.
Research Success Award
This award recognises individuals, particularly those early on in their research career, whose efforts have enabled them to achieve success in their research.
Winner:
Dr Antonios Pouliopoulos,
School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
Since his appointment in 2021, Dr. Pouliopoulos has demonstrated an extraordinary trajectory of research success. Within just three years, he has secured £1.5 million in research funding, including prestigious awards from ARIA and leading health charities. His work focuses on advancing treatment for brain tumours, particularly diffuse midline glioma—one of the most aggressive and fatal paediatric cancers. What sets him apart is not only the impact of his scientific outputs but also the breadth of his collaborative network and his ability to lead consortia that span disciplines and institutions. His inclusive and forward-thinking approach has enabled ground-breaking research into targeted drug delivery, brain intervention monitoring, and robot-assisted therapies. Alongside his research success, Dr. Pouliopoulos is deeply committed to training the next generation of researchers.
Dr Pouliopoulos was unable to attend the awards event. Dr Andrew Melbourne accepted the award on his behalf.
Outstanding Research Group Leader Award
This award recognises individuals who have provided excellent leadership of a research group, creating a great culture by supporting, enabling, coaching and nurturing colleagues earlier in their careers, role modelling behaviours that align with our Principles In Action, and handling difficult situations fairly and with compassion.
Winner
Professor Claire Steves,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Professor Steves is an inspiring and outstanding team leader whose visionary research, inclusive ethos, and unwavering support for colleagues have transformed the Department of Twin Research into a thriving, collaborative hub—advancing global ageing science while nurturing the next generation of researchers. She encourages everyone in her group to develop research collaborations within other departments at King’s as well as with other institutions in London, the UK and internationally, and through the establishment of the Centre of Ageing Resilience in a Changing Environment (CARICE), she has brought together basic scientists, researchers, academics, clinicians and allied health professionals. Her enthusiasm and passion for research motivate everyone, and she values everyone from the most junior staff to the most senior decision makers, regularly letting them know how much their contributions are valued.
Research Impact on Society Award
This award recognises individuals or teams who have made a measurable impact on society through their research.
Winner:
Professor Clive Page,
School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences
As the inventor of Ensifentrine, a novel drug developed for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Professor Page is a pharmaceutical scientist whose work is already transforming patient care and improving lives on a global scale.
COPD is a leading cause of global mortality, with 90% of COPD-related deaths in people under 70 occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Ensifentrine significantly improves lung function, reduces dyspnoea, and enhances quality of life.
Innovation in Research Award
This award recognises individuals or teams demonstrating outstanding innovation in research that has had a significant impact.
Winner:
Sono-Responsive Therapeutics team,
School of Cancer & Pharmaceutical Sciences
The Thanou Group has pioneered solutions for hard-to-treat tumours through a multidisciplinary approach. Professor Thanou and team developed ultrasound-responsive nanoparticles that offer high accuracy and specificity in tumour treatment when combined with medical imaging and focused ultrasound. This novel strategy integrates drugs and devices, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effectiveness of each. Collaboration with the Pouliopoulos Group has led to ten prestigious research grants being secured within just three years. Their joint projects focus on developing novel therapeutics and advancing focused ultrasound as a platform for treatments.
Their work is especially focused on paediatric brain tumours, often untreatable with current methods. The treatments are designed to be both effective and safe for young patients, protecting healthy brain tissue during crucial stages of development.
Excellence in Research Facilitation Award
This award is for an individual who provides essential research expertise but does not necessarily lead a research project or group.
Winner:
Vicky Bowyer,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Vicky Bowyer is an exceptional senior clinical research manager whose leadership, resilience, and collaborative spirit have driven the success of several complex major studies, including the Covid Symptom Study Biobank, the £5m TWINS MRI study and the PROSPECT study as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges. Her quiet dedication behind the scenes powers this impactful research.
Outstanding Technical Services Support for Research Award
This award recognises a member of technical services staff or a technical services team who has/have made a significant 'above and beyond' contribution to research within the Faculty.
Winners:
Stuart Flemming and Kelvin Howell,
Faculty Central Services
Collectively, Stuart Flemming and Kelvin Howell have provided exceptional technical support to the Faculty for more than 35 years. Over that time they have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment and flexibility, often stepping in where Estates & Facilities are unable to assist, and approaching every request with professionalism, positivity, and a can-do attitude.
Their responsibilities are extensive and varied, covering everything from the relocation of office and laboratory equipment and stock across campuses, to the transport of exam papers, and the management of recycling and bulk waste disposal. These tasks are vital to the daily operations of the faculty and support both teaching and research activities.
People & Culture Awards
Award for Championing an Inclusive, Fair and Diverse Faculty
This award is for an individual or team who has/have made significant contributions in developing, promoting and embedding equality, diversity and an inclusive culture within the Faculty.
Winner:
The Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Champions Network,
School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences
Not only has this team delivered an impressive volume of activity across the year, but they have ensured that each initiative is collaborative, purposeful, and designed to drive cultural change. Their approach is rooted in partnership – between students and staff, between disciplines, and between the School and the broader community. They have demonstrated inclusive leadership across a wide range of intersecting areas, including race and gender equality, LGBTQ+ inclusion, early-career researchers, and professional development.
Outstanding Citizenship Award
This award recognises individuals who have made a substantial contribution to the Faculty above and beyond their normal duties.
Winner:
Dr Matthew Stroud,
School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences
Dr Stroud has been driving force in building a vibrant, inclusive, and collaborative research culture in the School, tirelessly leading Early Career Researcher forums and Fellows’ Days across campuses, forging connections with industry, and mentoring researchers at all levels. His leadership, generosity, and unwavering commitment have created a lasting impact on the early career community at King’s.
Outreach and Engagement Award
This award recognises individuals or teams who have made a significant contribution to outreach and engagement, whether that be patient, public involvement and engagement, widening participation, local or global engagement, external engagement on sustainability issues or any other issues of importance to the Faculty.
Winner:
Early Career Researchers Health Inequalities Team,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Dr Zoe Bell, Dr Kritika Mishra and Dr Xanthi Zourntos are outstanding early career researchers who have worked tirelessly to engage local communities with trust and respect, fostering meaningful connections. Zoe’s success with working across diverse community organisations led to Lambeth Public Health team asking her to conduct a sensitive evaluation of a multi-sector partnership pop-up intervention in local schools which sought to promote mental wellbeing among boys. Kritika played a vital role in the success of the BELONG study, which included reaching out to businesses and stakeholders in African and South Asian communities to promote uptake of NHS Health checks. Xanthi has supported studies where meaningful youth involvement has been critical for co-development of interventions to promote physical and mental well-being of adolescents and youths in deprived neighbourhoods. They are wonderful role models of community engagement.
Outstanding Professional Services Award (two awards given)
This award recognises an individual member of professional services staff or a small team who has/have provided outstanding, responsive and innovative support, either expert or general, to colleagues in the Faculty. This award may also recognise contributions to developing others, including outstanding line management, mentorship or support for training and development of professional services colleagues. It may include leading innovation that has impacted significant improvement in support for a local or wider area of activity; supporting the outstanding delivery of education, responding to unforeseen circumstances and going above and beyond expectations; collaborating with colleagues across the Faculty and College to bring a positive change to working practice.
Winners:
GTA Team,
Centre for Education
Celine Trouillet,
School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences
Through exceptional professionalism, resilience, and teamwork, Bina Loi and Bilal Khalid have transformed the complex GTA process into a streamlined, trusted, and efficient system. Their work has enabled more than 1,000 assignments across 250 modules, they have hugely reduced administrative burdens on academics and rather than any complaints, there has been widespread praise for their efficiency and support. They have fostered a culture of excellence that benefits the entire Faculty.
Celine Trouillet is a driving force behind both operational excellence and sustainability in the School. She has led green initiatives that have earned LEAF Silver accreditation while also ensuring the research infrastructure runs seamlessly. Her leadership, dedication, and collaborative spirit are transforming labs and inspiring a culture of environmental responsibility and technical excellence.
Unsung Hero Award
This award recognises a member of staff who consistently and tirelessly seeks to improve the way their team, department, School or the Faculty works, but who has little wider visibility. For example, those who consistently help troubleshoot in the event of an emergency, who help ease the pressure on others or go above and beyond to support colleagues.
Winner:
Stephen Fletcher,
Faculty Education Services
Stephen Fletcher’s support for pharmacy placements is second to none - his tireless dedication, compassion, and problem-solving have transformed a complex and expanding programme into a seamless experience for students, staff, and stakeholders alike. His unwavering support, calm professionalism, and genuine care make him an irreplaceable pillar of our team.
Inspiring Leader Award
This award recognises an individual who has inspired others through their leadership, created a positive environment, championed equality, diversity and inclusivity and shown visibility and openness to help and support those they lead.
Winner:
Professor Kevin Whelan,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Professor Whelan has served as the Head of the Department of Nutritional Sciences for eight years, during which time he has made significant contributions to administration and promoted research initiatives. As a dedicated and highly committed leader, he provides strong support to his colleagues, encouraging excellence in research and knowledge contribution. His passion for research inspires and motivates people to achieve outstanding results, and he has a clear vision for enhancing the department's contributions and impact. The strong team spirit he has fostered has been evident at both national and international nutrition conferences. He is also an inspiring role model lecturer, consistently receiving positive and encouraging feedback from students.
Education Awards
Sustained Excellence Award (student nominated)
This award recognises the contribution of an individual (or team) over time which has led to a sustained positive impact on the learning and teaching community, or overall student experience at King's.
Winner:
Professor Esther Bell,
Centre for Education
Professor Bell has been the programme lead for BSc Biomedical Science for the past ten years and has been nominated by students in each of these years. She has overseen large scale changes to the programme to enhance the educational delivery of the programme and improve the student experience, most recently introducing the new Biomedical science themes which closely link Faculty research strengths to education. She is a constant course of support for more than 900 students each year often being the person they go to above everyone else.
Innovations in Teaching Award (student nominated)
This award recognises the contribution of a pioneering individual (or team) who has taken on new, innovative approaches to designing effective learning environments, delivering creative and inspirational teaching.
Winner:
Dr Rocky Cheung,
Centre for Education
Dr Cheung has brought a transformative and highly innovative approach to anatomy teaching, combining clarity, enthusiasm, and student-centred learning. His lectures are consistently engaging, interactive, and accessible, with content broken down into manageable, relevant, and visually rich materials that support deeper understanding. Students praise his willingness to offer one-on-one support and adapt to their learning needs. He is regularly seen in the dissection room, guiding tutorial groups and responding to queries with patience and clarity. Passionate, approachable, and deeply committed, he exemplifies innovation in teaching through his dedication to making learning personal, inclusive, and impactful.
Inclusive Education Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who shows commitment and dedication to widening participation by creating a diverse and inclusive environment, through curriculum content and design, teaching practice, and/or supporting students and colleagues.
Winner:
Dr Mandip Jheeta,
Centre for Education
Dr Mandip Jheeta is an exceptional educator whose commitment to inclusivity, kindness, and student-centred teaching has left a lasting impression on the student body. He consistently creates a welcoming and safe environment in which all students feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute. His inclusive teaching style is intuitive and engaging, enabling students from all backgrounds to thrive. Beyond the classroom, Mandip offers pastoral support with remarkable attentiveness. Students describe how he notices when someone is struggling and takes the time to check in, creating a safe space to talk and access help.
Excellent Feedback Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who consistently applies feedback practices that are integral to supporting student development and learning.
Winner:
Dr Helen Oram,
Centre for Education
Dr Oram has been instrumental in transforming the delivery of feedback within the MBBS assessment programme. Her leadership has shifted the tone and utility of exam feedback, moving from opaque learning outcomes to clear, user-friendly insights that students can genuinely act on. She has also implemented practical tools such as post-exam briefings and structured feedback formats to help students understand their performance and identify how to improve. Dr Oram’s work, often behind the scenes, has had a lasting and deeply positive impact on the student experience.
Student Support Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who frequently goes the extra mile to support students in and outside of the classroom.
Winner:
Kate Bazin,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Kate Bazin is a much-loved member of the Physiotherapy Department. She is a very popular member of staff amongst our diverse student community, not least because of her naturally supportive nature which is reflected in her thoughtful lecture style. She makes every student feel seen and heard and makes time for individual students who need extra help.
Expanding Opportunities Award (student nominated)
This award recognises an individual (or team) who purposefully include students in co-curricular opportunities and who support students in engaging in ways to connect their academic experience to broader initiatives such as service, internships, employability skills, or through involvement in improving the curriculum.
Winner:
Dr Tom Francis,
School of Basic & Medical Biosciences
Dr Francis has provided outstanding support to help students explore opportunities both within and outside of their studies. He encourages and supports them to apply for internships which have then developed into further opportunities. He has helped students successfully apply for PhD studentships and encouraged students to present their work.
Outstanding Biosciences Education Contribution Award (staff nominated)
This award recognises a member of academic, teaching or professional services staff or a team who has/have made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of Biosciences Education.
Winner:
Faculty Student Support Team,
Faculty Education Services
The FoLSM Student Support Team exemplifies compassionate, invaluable support for both students and the staff trying to help them - tirelessly navigating complex challenges with empathy, positivity, and unwavering dedication to education. Although this nomination was received for the Outstanding Biosciences Education Contribution Award, it also recognises the team’s outstanding contribution across Medical Education.
Outstanding Medical Education Contribution Award (staff nominated)
This award recognises a member of academic, teaching or professional services staff or a team who has/have made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of Medical Education.
Winner:
The MBBS Transition to Clinical Practice Working Group,
Centre for Education
Over an 18-month period, everyone in this team has worked hard to co-create, develop and bring to fruition the Transition to Clinical Practice block for medical students. Faculty, students and partner providers have come together to design a programme that supports and prepares students to enter the clinical worlds of primary care, hospital medicine and mental health. It is hoped that this model can be shared and transferred to other medical schools externally and health schools internally.
Outstanding Technical Services Support in Education (staff nominated)
This award recognises a member of technical services staff or a technical services team who has/have made a significant 'above and beyond' contribution to teaching within the Faculty.
Winner:
Zoe Gaffen,
Centre for Education
Zoe Gaffen has inspired generations of students through her passion for practical science, her dedication to teaching, and her tireless outreach—her guidance, encouragement, and enthusiasm have left a lasting mark on countless young scientists at King’s and beyond.
Executive Dean’s Special Awards
Executive Dean’s Special Awards for Lifetime Contribution
Winner:
Professor Jane Sandall,
School of Life Course & Population Sciences
Professor Sandall’s exceptional career spans more than 25 years of inspiring leadership in maternal and child health. Her unique background as a nurse, midwife, and social scientist has enabled her to drive impactful and influential multi-disciplinary research projects and systemic change across both high- and low-income countries. Her work focuses on the implementation and impact of strategies to improve safety and quality at both system and frontline levels—especially in maternity care models that enhance coordination, staffing, skill mix, outcomes, and escalation pathways for critically ill patients.
Professor Sandall leads the Maternal and Perinatal Mental Health team at the NIHR ARC South London and the Maternal and Perinatal Systems and Policy Group. She is Deputy Director of the Tommy’s National Centre for Maternity Improvement, and until recently, served as Head of Midwifery and Maternity Research at NHS England. As an Emeritus NIHR Senior Investigator, she has advised national and international bodies, including WHO, on maternity care and midwifery policy. Her contributions have earned her multiple awards, including a CBE.
Professor Sandall's dedication to evidence-based practice is demonstrated through hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, including contributions to the Lancet Midwifery and Caesarean Section series, and Cochrane reviews. Her work directly informs best practices in maternity care in the UK and globally. Beyond her academic and policy achievements, Professor Sandall is a deeply authentic leader who empowers others and builds capacity at all levels – from individuals to institutions, and she is known for her humility, integrity, and inclusiveness.
Executive Dean’s Special Awards for Lifetime Contribution
Winner:
Professor Malcolm Irving,
School of Basic & Medical Biosciences
Professor Irving, FRS FMedSci, served as Head of the Randall Division of Cell and Molecular Biophysics until 2017. Under his leadership, the Randall’s interaction with other research divisions and faculties increased significantly and he played an instrumental role in attracting several large-scale, strategic awards.
As Associate Research Director at the Francis Crick institute, he took on the role of Institute/Partner University Coordinator and led the integration of the first cohorts of King’s groups into the Crick, also preparing them for their return to King’s. He also supported several other collaborations, notably the London Consortium for Cryo-Electron Microscopy (LonCEM).
Alongside his roles in scientific leadership and administration, Professor Irving has continued to pursue and grow his research portfolio around striated muscle biophysics, culminating in the new hypothesis of thick-filament mechanosensation of contractility that was published in a serious of high-impact papers.