The evening was a celebration of doctoral researchers and staff who have made a significant contribution to the University and the wider community.
Post Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Professor Dan Parsons, commented:
“The PhD Awards are always a real highlight of the year and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the talent, ambition and generosity of our doctoral researcher community. Our doctoral researchers make an extraordinary contribution to Loughborough. This is through the quality and originality of their research, but also through the way they support one another, contribute to our wider University community and create impact beyond it. These awards recognise not only individual achievements, but the strength of the culture we are building together around our wider research ambitions. My warmest congratulations to all those nominated and recognised this year.”
PhD Awards attendees 2026
Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for the Doctoral College, Professor Valerie Pinfield, said:
"What a great way to celebrate the achievements of our amazing doctoral researchers and the people who support them! It has been a real privilege to hear the inspiring stories of our doctoral researchers contributions across research, community engagement, EDI, research culture and many more. Well done to all our award winners and to those nominated this year."
Doctoral Researcher Board Chair, Rachael Farayola, said:
“The PhD Awards was a wonderful celebration of our doctoral researchers and dedicated staff. It was inspiring to see their achievements, commitment and contributions recognised across the University. The evening showcased the strength and excellence of our doctoral community, making it a truly joyful and memorable occasion. I was incredibly proud to be part of it.”
The full list of winners can be seen below:
Research, Innovation and Impact
- Collaborative Research and Innovation Award – Neve Fields
- Significant Contribution to Knowledge Award – Mohammad Tamim Kashifi
- Interdisciplinary Research and Impact Award – Rebeca Arvelos Tavares Do Amaral Cruz
- Community Impact Award – Jessica Green
- Public Engagement and Research Communication Award – Shuxin Meng
Teaching, Development and Leadership
- Doctoral Researcher Teaching Excellence Award – Benjamin Keyser
- Contribution to Doctoral Researcher Development Award – Dr. Avsar Gurpinar
- Doctoral College Future Leader Award – Neve Fields
Support, Wellbeing and Doctoral Experience
- Enhancing Doctoral Researcher Wellbeing and Experience Award – Student Wellbeing and Inclusivity Team
- Outstanding Commitment to Doctoral Research Support Award – SCI-PGR Team (Science PGR Team)
- Supervisory Team of the Year Award – Dr. Sitsofe Yevu, Dr. Kudirat Ayinla and Professor Chris Goodier
Representation, Advocacy and Engagement
- Doctoral Researcher Representative of the Year Award – Pegah Aftabi
- Doctoral Researcher Lead Representative of the Year Award – Patrick Scaife
- University Engagement Award – Javaria Abdur Rehman
Equality, Inclusion and Team Contribution
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award – Tamunodein Princewill
- Team of the Year Award – Science Doctoral Researcher Reps
Special Recognition
- Pete Beaman Unsung Hero – Berkeley Young
- Doctoral College Special Recognition Award – Anastazie Toros