Winner: Ruairi Robertson

Dr Robertson is based in the Blizard Institute, where he is a Lecturer in Microbiome Science. His research examines the early-life gut microbiome and its influence on gut function and growth, particularly in the context of child undernutrition. Ruairi is an active science communicator and public speaker through which he communicates the science of nutrition and the gut microbiome to the general public. He regularly writes articles/blogs, speaks at science events and festivals and has appeared frequently on TV and radio discussing the science of nutrition and the gut microbiome. He has a popular TEDx talk and podcast series titled Biomes in which he interviews leading microbiome scientists about their research.

The panel were particularly impressed by Ruairi's nomination which, in addition to his exceptional academic and science communication achievements, was distinguished by a thoughtful and well-rounded contribution to the culture and inclusivity of his research environment.

Highly Commended

Dr Edward Gillen, Winton Fellow and Reader in Observations of Exoplanets in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences. Highly Commended for his exceptional early career achievements, notably his recent ERC AENEAS grant for age-enabled exoplanet science.

Dr Nadine Lavan, Lecturer in Psychology and Biological Psychology in the School of Behavioural and Brain Sciences. Highly Commended for her outstanding interdisciplinary academic achievements in voice perception, for which she was awarded a Wellcome Trust Fellowship, her emerging leadership in her field and her mentoring of her supervisees.

Shortlisted

Oscar Maiques Carlos, Innocent Batsani-Ncube, Felipe Gonzalez