Both the Physics teaching laboratories team and the HARMONI team have been recognised with a Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences (MPLS) Award for Excellence in Lab and Workshop Support in the inaugural year of this new awards scheme. The award recognises the contribution of lab managers, technicians (including lab technicians) and workshop staff in supporting high-quality teaching, research and innovation across MPLS.
The Physics teaching laboratories team was recognised for the exceptional professionalism, teamwork, resilience, and dedication shown in planning and starting to deliver the first phase of the complex relocation of the Physics teaching laboratories – alongside maintaining normal teaching activities for the Department of Physics practical course, and ensuring an outstanding student experience. Through technical expertise, careful planning, and effective collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, the team has helped ensure the continuity of undergraduate practical teaching and laid the foundations for a successful long-term transition. The teaching labs team, led by Jenny Barnes, also comprises Rich Gardner, Max Howe, Jonathan Rogers, Stephen Wasko, Emma Reavell, Lana Pagnier, Tala Shikh Othman and Liana Warren.
Liam Boland and Kieran McCall were recognised for their work with HARMONI, the adaptive optics assisted visible near-infrared integral field spectrograph for the Extremely Large Telescope (ELT). Liam and Kieran have both made outstanding contributions to the HARMONI project through technical excellence, innovation, and leadership. Liam transformed instrument testing by developing automated software and measurement tools that improved efficiency, reliability, and reduced technical risk, while Kieran led the creation of a specialist assembly and testing facility that will underpin Oxford's delivery of HARMONI and provide a lasting capability for world-leading astronomical instrumentation. Together, their work has strengthened Oxford's contribution to this flagship international project and will benefit the global astronomy community for years to come.
‘I am absolutely delighted that the remarkable work of Jenny and her team as well as Liam and Kieran has been recognised with these awards,’ comments Head of Department, Professor Andrew Boothroyd. ‘Relocating the teaching laboratories is a hugely complex undertaking and everybody has worked so hard to ensure that it has gone as well as it possibly could have done. This, alongside maintaining their full-time commitment to managing the day-to-day practical course for undergraduates, is an extraordinary achievement. Liam and Kieran’s commitment to sharing their expertise and leading the way on a major international collaboration is just fantastic – they are both excellent ambassadors for the department. Congratulations to all.’