Link opens in a new windowThe national awards recognising technical excellence in academia – the Papin Prizes – are open for nominations from 30 November 2022 until 31 January 2023. Academics, researchers, heads of departments, Postdocs within higher education and research are encouraged to nominate a technical colleague or team within one of nine categories. For 2023, there is a new category for technicians who are delivering excellence in Knowledge Exchange.

These awards were established by Midlands Innovation partners, as part of the ongoing work to champion the role of technicians. These national awards will be presented at the Higher Education Technicians Summit on 4 July 2023, here at The University of Warwick.

For the first time, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has partnered with HETS and the acclaimed Papin Prizes.

Categories include:

Contribution to Infrastructure
A member of technical staff who has made a significant contribution to day-to-day infrastructure to support research and/or teaching – for example, roles may include technical staff who look after building facilities or technicians that provide key services.

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.

Core Research Facility 
A member of technical staff within a central research facility/platform who has provided exceptional skills/expertise.

Best Newcomer 
An individual who has embarked on a technical career within the past four years and shown exceptional promise - for example, this may be a trainee or apprentice technician.

Outreach and Community
A member of technical staff who has made a significant contribution to delivering community or 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.