Ground-breaking research across the University has been celebrated at a presentation of Kent’s annual Research Prizes.

Twelve prizes were presented for 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 1 April. Guests at the ceremony, compered by Professor of Genetics Darren Griffin, included Deans, Heads of School, nominators and the winners themselves.

The Research Prizes scheme has generated considerable interest across the University since its launch in 2014. This year, more than 35 applications from 15 of the University’s Schools were received.

Professor De Wilde said that the Prizes ‘act as a showcase for the extraordinary range of ground-breaking research that is being undertaken across the University. The applications this year highlighted the diversity of research and the impressive achievements by Kent academics and students.’

Overall research prizes this year included:

• The University Prize for Research – awarded to Dr Heather Ferguson (School of Psychology), in recognition of ‘going far beyond the expectation of those still establishing their careers’ and attracting over £1.6m external research funding.
• The University Prize for Early Career Research – Dr Ben Goult (School of Biosciences) for achievements including a prestigious BBSRC New Investigator Award and patent for a new tool to study pharmo-mechanobiology.
• The University Prize for Postgraduate Research – Eske van Gils (School of Politics and International Relations), in recognition of her external policy engagement and involvement in internal initiatives such as membership for the Global Europe Centre.

Further details of all the prize-winners are available on the Research webpages.