‘She (Dr Yang) generously shares inspiring research directions and guides us in using cutting-edge methodologies and theoretical frameworks. It is clear that her goal is to support every PhD student in becoming an successful independent researcher in future. Dr Yang has made significant contributions to my academic growth, research networking, and career planning, while also providing genuine pastoral care.’
Xin Feng, Doctoral Student
12 November 2025
SSPP celebrates nominations for the Supervisor Research Excellence Awards
Two academics based at the Faculty of Social Science and Public Policy (SSPP) have been nominated for the 2025 King’s College Supervisor Excellence Awards.
Dr Wei Yang (Department of Global Health & Science Medicine) and Dr Melissa Glackin (Education, Communication & Society) have both been nominated for King’s College London Supervisor Excellence Awards, which celebrate and acknowledge the excellent level of supervision provided at King's.
King’s College Supervisor Excellence Awards
The Supervisor Excellence Awards recognise the key role that supervisor’s play in supporting doctoral students and contributing to King’s outstanding research culture. Supervisors receive nominations from doctoral students, Heads of Departments, Executive Deans and Postgraduate Researcher Professional service staff, signifying the wide influence and impact they have on the King’s community.
The awards encompass and highlight a variety of important roles supervisors provide, including the personal and professional development of doctoral students, a commitment to pastoral support and innovative supervisory practice.
Nominations for the awards are assessed by Associate Deans for Doctoral Studies across each faculty, with two candidates recommended to a central panel convened by King’s Doctoral College. Dr Wei Yang (Department of Global Health & Science Medicine) and Dr Melissa Glackin (Education, Communication & Society) were put forward this year.
Dr Wei Yang
Dr Wei Yang is a Reader in Health Economics and Policy and Director of the Institute of Gerontology at King’s. Currently supervising three PhD students, Dr Yang believes investing time and effort into PhD students is crucial to providing excellent supervision. Dr Yang’s supervision goes beyond just thesis mentoring, as she focuses on network expanding opportunities with other colleagues in research fields and has even published alongside her students. High emphasis is also placed on the informal moments, often sharing lunch and coffee chats with her students, to help generate new ideas and discuss long-term aspirations.
The Faculty Associate Dean highlighted the value of Dr Yang’s supervision stating her work ‘exemplifies the very best of King’s supervisory practice, combining academic rigour with deep personal investment in the growth and success of her supervisees.’
‘Even before I started my doctorate, she (Dr Glackin) was generous with her time, guiding me to apply for opportunities I was not aware of and supporting me through the processes. With Melissa’s support throughout these three years, I feel I am in a strong position going forward, a position I would not be in without her expert and generous guidance.’
Chris Reid, Doctoral Student
Dr Melissa Glackin
Dr Melissa Glackin is the Director of the MA in STEM Education programme, and who’s field of research focuses on science and environmental education. Dr Glackin currently supervises 5 Postgraduate Researchers, and believes showing genuine curiosity towards students, beliefs, goals and aspirations is essential to providing the best supervision.
Taking a collaborative approach to supervision, Dr Glackin has an established record of co-publishing her students and providing them with an invaluable experience in academic writing. Dr Glackin’s excellent supervision is evident, in the outcomes of her students, with many progressing on to prestigious academic positions, and others excelling in research roles in leading organisations. This will be Dr Glackin’s fourth nomination for the Supervisor Excellence Awards, signifying the impactful supervision she has provided at King’s for many years.
The results of the Supervisory Excellence Awards will be announced in November, with winners receiving an award worth up to £1000.
In this story
Reader in Science & Environmental Education
Reader in Health Economics and Policy