Global experts celebrate Queen Mary’s research and innovation excellence

The event, held in the University’s Octagon, recognised the outstanding work and contributions of Queen Mary research colleagues across eight categories. This year’s awards placed particular emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, societal impact and partnerships that are addressing global challenges. Winners were chosen by a panel, each headed by an external expert.

Commenting on the awards overall, the high standard of submissions and the excellence of the winners in particular, Professor Andrew Livingston, Vice President (Research and Innovation) at Queen Mary said:

“Every year, these awards demonstrate the incredible breadth of Queen Mary’s research excellence and the many profound ways our innovation is changing our world for the better.

What sets Queen Mary research apart is our commitment to our communities and our partners, and it’s been such a pleasure to celebrate those values in action.”

The winners for 2026 were:

Early Career Researcher

Winner: Dr Margherita Malanchini, Faculty of Science and Engineering, and Mr Chris Bretherton, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Highly Commended: Dr Marc Fernandez-Yague, Faculty of Science and Engineering

This award recognises exceptional promise and early achievement in research, highlighting individuals who are already shaping their fields and building strong foundations for future impact. Their work reflects the vibrancy and ambition of Queen Mary’s emerging research talent.

Together, the winners and highly commended demonstrate the breadth of early-stage research across disciplines, from scientific discovery to applied health innovation.

Postdoc or Research Fellow

Winner: Dr Xiaoxia Xu, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Highly Commended: Dr Jiří Anger, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Dr Laura Iacconi, Faculty of Science and Engineering

The Postdoc or Research Fellow category celebrates researchers who are establishing independence and making significant contributions to their fields.

This category celebrates postdoctoral researchers whose work demonstrates originality, independence and a growing international research profile, often acting as a bridge between emerging talent and established research leadership.

Research Enabler

Winner: Biological Services Unit

Highly Commended: Paul Newman, Centre for Early Career Researchers, and Vicky Byers, Joint Research Management Office

Behind every successful research project is a network of expertise and support. The Research Enabler award shines a light on the teams and individuals who make research possible.

Recognising the vital contribution of professional and technical services, this award highlights those whose work strengthens infrastructure, supports researchers at every stage, and ensures the highest standards of delivery.

Impact: Civic, Community, Culture and Policy

Winner: Dr Benjamin Neimark, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Highly Commended: Dr Garth Funston, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and Dr Keren Weitzberg, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

A defining feature of Queen Mary’s research is its connection to the world beyond academia. The Civic, Community, Culture and Policy category reflects this commitment to meaningful engagement.

This award showcases research that is making a tangible difference to communities, informing policy and enriching cultural understanding at local, national and global levels. It demonstrates how research can drive positive societal change.

Research Technician

Winner: Elodie Sins, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Highly Commended: Dr Sam Wallis, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Technical expertise plays a critical role in enabling cutting-edge research. The Research Technician category recognises the precision, innovation and dedication required to sustain world-class research environments.

Celebrating specialist knowledge and innovation, this category highlights the often unseen contributions that ensure research can be conducted safely, efficiently and at the highest level.

Impact: Enterprise and Commercial Innovation

Winner: Dr Suzanne Eldridge, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Highly Commended: Dr Patrick Cullen, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Innovation at Queen Mary extends beyond discovery into application, with research translating into real-world solutions and partnerships.

This award highlights entrepreneurial research and innovation that is transforming ideas into products, services and collaborations with industry, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities.

Research Supervisor

Winner: Professor Marina Resmini, Faculty of Science and Engineering

Highly Commended: Professor Mangala Patel, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, and Dr Sharri Plonski, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Supporting the next generation of researchers is central to sustaining excellence. The Research Supervisor award recognises those who provide outstanding mentorship and guidance. This category celebrates individuals who foster inclusive, supportive and intellectually stimulating environments, helping early career researchers to thrive and achieve their full potential.

Research Excellence

Winner: Professor Xavier Griffin, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry

Highly Commended: Professor Sophie Harman, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor Lars Chittka, Faculty of Science and Engineering

The awards culminate in the Research Excellence category, recognising sustained, world-leading achievement and leadership in research.

This award honours contributions that have significantly advanced knowledge, influenced practice and policy, and reinforced Queen Mary’s position as a global leader in research and innovation.

You can find the full list of nominees on the Queen Mary Research and Innovation Awards webpage.