York technicians shortlisted for prize in recognition of Covid efforts

Posted on 6 October 2021

University of York technicians have been shortlisted for a prestigious prize in recognition of their significant role in the national response to COVID-19.

Matthew Von Tersch working in the lab

The Papin Prize is the UK’s only award ceremony dedicated to celebrating technical excellence and innovation in higher education and research.

In addition, Bob Hide, Chief Electronics Technician from the Department of Physics has also been shortlisted for the Professor Lord Bhattacharyya Lifetime Achievement Award for continued excellence and significant achievements across his career.

Expertise

Through the pandemic, York technicians played a pivotal role in the University’s efforts to support the NHS. Technicians across the University worked tirelessly to produce PPE for frontline workers, organise donations of medical equipment and deliver packed lunches for NHS staff.

Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, said: “We are enormously proud of our technicians and grateful for their skill and expertise, without which we would not be able to carry out our world-class research and teaching.

“The shortlisting recognises the commitment and dedication of our technical staff, going above and beyond to support the NHS and our country during the pandemic.”

Prestigious

The Papin Prizes are named after Denis Papin, a 17th century technician who worked with Robert Boyle. Papin invented the steam digester and was one of the first technicians to publish in his own name. Nominations for the 2021 Papin Prizes are made by any member of the higher education community including students, staff, collaborators and alumni.

Sixty-one technicians have been shortlisted nationally for the acclaimed Papin Prize across ten categories. The prestigious awards will be presented at the biannual Higher Education Technician Summit (HETS) 2021 on 10 November 2021 at the East Midlands Conference Centre, University of Nottingham.