Outstanding research across the University has been celebrated at a presentation of Kent’s first Research Prizes.
Twelve prizes were presented which highlight exceptional achievements over the past year – from publications in top ranked journals to high citation rates, significant funding awards and impact through public engagement and policy development.
The prizes were presented by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Philippe De Wilde during a gala dinner in Darwin Conference Centre on 27 March. Guests at the ceremony, compered by Professor of Agricultural Economics Rob Fraser, included Deans, Heads of School, nominators, the winners themselves, and a wide range of internal and external guests.
The Research Prizes scheme has generated considerable interest across the University since its launch in 2014. Forty applications were received from four-fifths of the University’s Schools, representing academics and students working in Biosciences, Philosophy, Drama and Psychology, among many others.
Professor De Wilde said: ‘The standard was extremely high, and reflects the diverse, exciting and vibrant research culture across the University. These prizes celebrate the exceptional achievement of our staff and students, and the panel had to make some tough choices between excellent candidates.’
Winner of the Social Sciences Faculty Prize for Early Career Research, Dr Nik Rajkovic (Kent Law School), spoke for many in thanking the selection panel for his prize: ‘I cannot describe to you how wonderful this news is. It means a lot to a junior colleague like me to have this vote of confidence and support from my university. It give me that extra boost to keep ploughing forward and develop new contributions and impact.’
A full list of Research Prize is available on the Research webpages: http://www.kent.ac.uk/research/prizes/
The second round of the Research Prize scheme will open in autumn 2015.