University of Bristol: ‘Passionate and dedicated’ professor wins Times Higher Education Award
At a glitzy event in London last night, Andy Radford, Professor of Behavioural Ecology, was singled out for the Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year Award. Dr Francesco Fornetti, Associate Professor of Radio Frequency Engineering at Bristol, was highly commended in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category.
According to judges, Prof Radford “stood out in a shortlist of highly impressive candidates” for his “unstinting dedication” to his PhD students and postdoc researchers.
The judges added: “Supervisees’ testimonials were exceptional, demonstrating that he possesses an array of strengths in every aspect of doctoral supervision.
“His compassion and concern for candidates’ well-being was as important as encouraging them to ‘push boundaries’ and embrace academic rigour.”
One PhD student said: “Even when I’m 10,000 miles away, struggling with experiments or having other issues, I can get in contact and he will reply quickly.”
It has been a year of success for Prof Radford, who recently won two Bristol Teaching Awards: the Outstanding Research Supervision Award and the Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Education.
Andy – body image
Professor Andy Radford.
Dr Fornetti won the Inspiring and Innovative Teaching Award (Faculty of Engineering) at the same event.
Prof Radford, who works in the School of Biological Sciences, said: “Working with early-career researchers is an absolute highlight of my job – they are an inspiration as scientists, communicators and colleagues. It is a privilege to work with them and it was humbling to have been nominated by such amazing people.
“Winning the award, given the wonderful achievements of all those on the shortlist, is a reflection of the fantastic individuals that I am, and have been, lucky enough to work with.
“The Times Higher Education award event was lots of fun and a great celebration of all that is excellent about this sector in the UK; long may that continue and be supported.”
Dr Francesco Fornetti (centre) helping students learn.
Dr Fornetti, who works in the Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering and recently did a Q&A about his journey, said: “I was truly delighted to be nominated for this award since I felt that it would give me the opportunity to share my practice through the Times Higher Education platforms and help shape the learning experience for engineering students across the globe.
“The awards ceremony was beautiful and it was great to be surrounded by so many dedicated individuals who take great pride in their higher education work and strive to create fantastic support structures and learning opportunities that empower young people to thrive.”