Celebration of Science 2024
The Science Council 2024 Celebration of Science took place on 26 November, combining our annual prizegiving celebrations with the biennial Sir Gareth Roberts Lecture.
The Celebration of Science celebrates and showcases exceptional achievements within our science community. This year is the tenth anniversary of the CPD Awards, which recognises registrants at various career stages who have demonstrated excellence in professional development and exemplary practice.
The Celebration also highlights the contribution of Science Council volunteers, who are central to everything we do. We celebrated the impact of technical education in shaping careers, honoured the achievements of apprentices, and presented the Apprentice Ambassador Award.
CPD Awards
Continuing professional development is the bedrock of professional practice, personal growth and professional accountability.
Congratulations to this year’s CPD Award winners:
- Carmen Barber RSciTech – Institute of Water
- Jamie Cameron RSciTech – Royal Society of Biology
- Katie Dias RSciTech – Association of Anatomical Pathology Technology
- Katy Johnson RSciTech – Institute of Biomedical Science
- Lucy Owen RSci – Royal Society of Biology
- Michael Detyna SFHEA FRGS RSci – Institute of Science and Technology
- Deborah Hansen CSci – Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology
- Robin Price CSci – Institute of Water
- Emma Victory CSci – Institute of Biomedical Science
- Matthew Smith CSci – Institute of Biomedical Science
- Mohamed El-Guindy CSci – Institute of Science and Technology
- Thomas Pitcher CSci – Royal Society of Biology
- Timothy Ross CSciTeach – Association for Science Education
- Gary McDonald CSciTeach – Royal Society of Biology
- Pete Robinson CSciTeach – Association for Science Education
Volunteer recognition
The Science Council is privileged to have a fantastic team of volunteers who make a huge contribution to our work and the broader scientific community. Our thanks to each and every one of you for your support and dedication. This year, we extend special recognition to a select group of volunteers who have gone above and beyond, making exceptional contributions:
- Adam Donnan for his extensive volunteering contributions and notable practical wisdom. Adam volunteers as a licence reviewer, as well as an assessor of applications for Science Council registration and CPD submissions. Adam became a trustee of the Science Council in 2017, Vice Chair of the Board in 2020 and Chair in 2021. In parallel, Adam was Chair of the Technical Pathways Programme Board from May 2020 to its conclusion.
- Chris Westcott for his thoughtful and incisive analysis on a range of topics and playing a key role in shaping our governance and strategic direction. Chris served on the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2019. Following his retirement from the Board, he was Appointed chair of the FAR Committee in 2021.
- Phillipa Martinelli for her considerable time commitment, experience and advice. Phillipa was a Science Council Trustee from 2020-2023 and Chair of the Nomination Committee. Philippa also played a key role in the recruitment of the new CEO.
- Samantha Cooper CBiol for her exceptional commitment and contribution to the Registration Authority (RA) and her work in Registration and Licensing over the last 6 years. Samantha developed and chaired the CPD learning group, is a key RA lead, and was the was the first Vice Chair of the RA.
- Trevor Lewis CSci for his dedicated service to the Science Council since 2011, including roles as a licence reviewer, Common Application Process (CAP) assessor, member of the RA (2012-2018) and Chair of the CPD learning group (2011-2018). Trevor retired from professional scientific work at the end of 2023.
Apprentice Ambassador Award
Apprenticeships are an important route to scientific and technical careers. We were pleased to present the Apprentice Ambassador Award to Alexandra Cummings for promoting science apprenticeships and raising the apprentice voice.