The Supervisory Excellence Awards are awarded by the Centre for Doctoral Studies to recognise the role of supervisors in supporting postgraduate research students during their studies and excellent supervisory practice. Nominations for the awards are invited from postgraduate research students (including recent graduates), Heads of Department, Heads of Graduate Studies and Deans of Faculties. 

Professor Gromov and his students

Alongside his supervisory duties, Nikolay teaches theoretical physics and numerical computational methods modules to second and third year students in the Department of Mathematics. This year he taught Numerical and Computational Methods to 150 students. In his research, Nikolay studies high-energy physics, in particular quantum field theory, string theory, and the interplay between them. 

Nikolay explains his inspiration to work in this area: ‘I was lucky enough to interact with great scientists when I was an undergraduate and PhD student, and they inspired me and supported me on my journey to becoming a theoretical physicist. Why theoretical and not experimental physics? Because I thought that theoretical physics would be cheaper – after all you only need a pen, some paper, and a laptop!’ 

On receiving the award Nikolay said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award. It’s a very exciting accolade, but also adds lots of pressure – which no doubt will keep me on my toes! It’s of course terrific and I am very grateful to my lovely students for the nomination.’ 

When asked about his plans for the future Nikolay explained: ‘Next, I’ve set my sights on the Teaching Excellence Award. Teaching face-to-face in lectures is such a precious way of learning, and I am really hoping to improve my teaching skills over the next year. The value of good lecturers cannot be understated; they can change students’ lives. If I can be part of that, brilliant. And what better motivation than the Teaching Excellence Award! In terms of research, there are still lots of mysteries in theoretical physics…’