Nominations for the Papin Prizes which celebrate technical excellence in academia have been extended to 5pm, 14 February 2025.
The national awards which recognise and honour the work of technicians in higher education and research will be presented at the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) on Wednesday 9 July 2025, at the Leonardo Conference Centre, Leicestershire.
There are ten categories in the 2025 Papin Prizes, with a new Apprentice and Sustainability award.
Apprentice A member of technical staff who has either recently completed, or is currently engaged, in an apprenticeship programme.
Contribution to Knowledge Exchange A member of technical staff who has made a significant contribution to delivering knowledge exchange and innovation activities on behalf of their institution.
Contribution to Research A member of technical staff who has made a significant contribution to research.
Contribution to Teaching A member of technical staff who has made a significant contribution to the student teaching and learning experience.
Excellence in Sustainability A member of technical staff who has engaged in sustainable practices within the environment they operate in and has been involved in meaningful activities to reduce environmental impact.
Infrastructure and Facilities A member of technical staff who supports or maintains infrastructure or facilities within an institution. They have made sustained day-to-day contributions to operational activity to support teaching, research, and/or the general institutional environment within their field.
Best Newcomer A member of technical staff who has embarked on a technical career within the past two years and shown exceptional promise.
Outreach/Community A member of technical staff who has made a significant contribution to community/outreach activities.
Technical Team A technical team which has worked together to deliver excellence.
The Professor Lord Bhattacharyya Lifetime Achievement Award An award to recognise continued excellence and/or significant achievements across an individual’s technical career. HETS 2025 is sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Midlands Innovation.
Kelly Vere, University Director of Technical Strategy for the University of Nottingham and HETS conference co-chair, said:
“The Papin Prizes recognise and celebrate the very best technical staff across the UK. Because the submissions are invited from people who work with technical staff, they also increase recognition and visibility of technicians.
“We would like to see more applications in the Knowledge Exchange and Sustainability categories and are giving people extra time to submit their nominations at what is a very busy time of year,” she explained.
“Activities like these awards help to improve research culture within organisations and align with the work of the Technician Commitment to ensure visibility, recognition, career development and sustainability for technicians working in higher education and research.”
Applications are open across the ten categories until 5pm, 14 February 2025. Applications can be submitted online via the Midlands Innovation website. Click here to view categories and submit a nomination.
All submissions will be reviewed by an independent judging panel of technical staff from the Midlands Innovation partner universities. Shortlisted submissions will then be reviewed by the Midlands Innovation Executive Management Group, comprising of Pro-Vice-Chancellors.
The awards will be presented at the 2025 UK Higher Education Technicians Summit which is taking place on Wednesday 9 July at Leonardo Conference Centre, Watling St, Burbage, Hinckley, LE10 3JA.
This year’s event is sponsored by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Midlands Innovation. Register for the event here.