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Together, Research Excels is a project that recognises and thanks the colleagues who contribute to the University of St Andrews' thriving research environment.

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Together, Research Excels is a project that recognises and thanks the colleagues who contribute to the University of St Andrews' thriving research environment.

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This campaign recognises the unsung heroes of research - those who support, inspire, and uplift their colleagues. Whether it's through mentoring, interdisciplinary teamwork, peer review, or simply offering a listening ear, these acts of collegiality are the foundation of our research excellence.

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Prof Torrance has built a distinguished career in grant-capture and research-led teaching. He co-founded the internationally renowned Logos Institute and serves as its Co-Director. He has supervised many successful research students and consistently produces high-calibre outputs. His tireless service includes key administrative roles, most recently as Director of Impact for REF2029, where he is leading the School’s strategy. His dedication to academic excellence in research, teaching, and leadership has shaped the careers of many, including mine. It was through his founding of Logos that I came to St Andrews, and his research-driven vision led directly to my appointment.

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Andy is great at making his students feel confident, not only through words, but also actions. He always offer critical and constructive comments and suggestions to others’ work. He is good at directing the students to the right researchers when conducting interdisciplinary projects. His supervising style is tailored for diverse students, so that students can be as productive as they wish, but his high standard for work applies to all. He shares his knowledge about science as well as about how to be a responsible scientist. He shows how to disagree and debate with others with an open mind to embrace potential insights from different schools of thoughts.

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Anne is an extremely supportive colleague both professionally and personally. She has an unwavering dedication to support you in any way she can; even when you have not directly asked for help, she will use her initiative to provide it because being a supportive person is at her core.

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As Director of Research in the School of Modern Languages, Bettina created engaging events that brought colleagues together and sparked enthusiasm for sharing diverse research interests. She continues to generously offer her time and insight, helping others navigate intellectual and practical challenges. Her belief that everyone’s research is valuable and that all are capable of excellence is both infectious and inspiring. Even brief conversations with he, especially during the busiest times, can reignite motivation and a desire to return to research. Bettina’s unwavering support and passion for scholarship have made a lasting impact on the School’s research culture and community.

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Caitlin's commitment to ensuring every individual she works with is supported by her is unwavering. Her meticulous planning and ability to think of the big picture mean that she is always 10 steps ahead. She ensures that others expectations of her and her colleagues are managed to ensure pressure is not put on anyone. She is also always on hand to listen and be a sounding board of any questions or concerns.

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She has been proactive in supporting colleagues, both by organising general social gatherings and specific grant writing workshops. Her perseverance and sunny disposition improve our work environment and provide constant encouragement to others to build a positive research culture together.

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Claire Sneddon is a beacon within our school, always willing to facilitate everyone's research as best she can. She is diligent, careful, considered and a finisher. She has gone above and beyond to ensure we have an efficient, safe working environment, she has ensured that Medicine is a leader in sustainability as evidenced by her leading role in the award of the University’s first Silver LEAF accreditation, and she is technically highly skilled, bringing expertise to projects across the School. Most of all, Claire brings people together by encouraging sporting and social activities, as well as nurturing and respecting her peers.

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Conny has brought a new spark to the research in the Department across all areas - publications, impact, and public engagement. Conny has promoted a collegiate culture where being professional goes hand in hand with kindness, understanding, and respect for others. Conny’s energy, good spirit, and good sense have been exceptional in keeping the crew’s morale high in a time of major changes. Conny has been an active bystander, making me feel safe in expressing my perspective in the department: this is fundamental to promote a healthy research culture. Selflessly and without personal gain, Conny actively helped me and other colleagues develop their research profiles.

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As Head of Information Assurance and Governance, Chris has helped me navigate data protection legislation on a number of projects. In each case, Chris has gone above and beyond in helping me understand and interpret the relevant rules and regulations in a way that is constructive and supportive. When it comes to data protection, there is always an easy answer: “no.” Chris’ willingness to engage with me, to take the time to help me position my work within the legal framework, has allowed me to undertake research in new areas.

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Professor Colin McCowan leads with integrity, fairness, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives. He listens attentively and champions the best ideas, regardless of who voices them, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued. Colin never gives false praise, but his recognition, when earned, is deeply meaningful and motivating. His leadership encourages excellence through honesty and high standards, while remaining supportive and inclusive. He is a strong advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all team members feel seen and supported. His balanced, principled approach has positively shaped my confidence, work ethic, and research experience, and has significantly enhanced my career success and trajectory.

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I have known David Evans since my time here as a PhD student. As Director of Postgraduate Studies, he inspired me and two fellow PhD students to organise a conference, providing us with feedback throughout. The event was a great success, a three-day conference with keynote speakers from the USA, Belgium, and the UK. Dave's constant support and encouragement were crucial.

Dave was also exceptionally helpful, when I applied for promotion here, not only encouraging me but also connecting me with colleagues who could advise me and offering thoughtful feedback on my application.

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Since his arrival at St Andrews, Professor Herd has worked tirelessly to bring together people interested in the relationship between literature and human rights via the new Centre for the Critical Reimagining of Human Rights. In a series of interdisciplinary conversations, events, and interventions, Professor Herd and the Centre have foregrounded human rights at St Andrews and beyond as a pillar of our research culture.

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Cicely Macnamara is new to our team, but has already made a remarkable impact through her positive attitude, insightful ideas and dedicated work ethic. She is approachable, bright, and always willing to lend a hand, no matter the task. Cicely supports junior colleagues with genuine care and enthusiasm, contributing to a positive and inclusive research culture. Her commitment to pastoral support creates a welcoming environment where others feel seen and valued. Cicely’s proactive attitude and kindness have made a real difference to me and many others and have helped to build a supportive and inclusive research culture.

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David is a great example of how decently a strong person should behave under the pressure of complicated circumstances.

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Dave is the sort of colleague that has his eyes set upon the goal and will help those around him to stay on track to reach it. He steps up to help colleagues manage workload when a deadline is near, and is willing to go the extra mile to help the team achieve. He gladly offers solutions and his own expertise to solve problems, and will check in on close colleagues to make sure things are running smoothly. He has also embraced the RIS community, and demonstrates this weekly with his quiz prowess!

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Since his arrival at St Andrews, Professor Herd has worked tirelessly to bring together people interested in the relationship between literature and human rights via the new Centre for the Critical Reimagining of Human Rights. In a series of interdisciplinary conversations, events, and interventions, Professor Herd and the Centre have foregrounded human rights at St Andrews and beyond as a pillar of our research culture.

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Dawn has a keen eye for spotting ways in which things could be improved and coming up with creative ways of solving those problems. She is always able to offer a sympathetic ear to ensure you feel heard about any issues or concerns you may have and help support you with proactive/productive ways to work through them. Through her leadership, she supports me with how to navigate tricky situations while maintaining positive relationships.

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Duncan is an exceptional source of advice and support, offering equally valuable guidance on technical and safety matters, research impact, and career development. His approach is always friendly and deeply interested in the topics at hand. Furthermore, his genuine enthusiasm is evident in his habit of proactively seeking out colleagues to congratulate them on their successes. This keen support makes him a truly appreciated colleague.

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Dr. D'Amico's unwavering support has been instrumental in my research journey. She has always displayed the most sincere willingness to brainstorm complex problems and truly contributes to a benevolent, collaborative environment. She consistently champions junior colleagues while ensuring everyone feels valued. This proactive approach to mentorship and dedication to a positive, inclusive atmosphere doesn't just build a thriving research culture, it empowers individuals like myself to contribute our best work with the kind of confidence that lasts beyond the boundaries of the project. Elisa's leadership makes our entire team stronger and our research more impactful.

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As director and co-founder of the Centre for Poetic Innovation, Elodie has for years organised research seminars and workshops that bring together academics and poets in various creative ways. Her selfless work for the CPI is sustained by a genuine enthusiasm for her subject, and a generous desire to share that infectious enthusiasm with others. Her intellectual interest in fostering discussion is apparent in the research events she devises imaginatively and sensitively within the French department and the School of Modern Languages, as she self-effacingly asks questions whose warmth and intellectual depth and curiosity deftly open the topic up for rich and accessible discussion.

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Euan exemplifies exceptional collegiality in his role as Research Impact Coordinator. He consistently fosters a collaborative environment, offering thoughtful support and encouragement to colleagues across departments. His proactive communication, willingness to share knowledge, and responsiveness to diverse perspectives make him a trusted and respected team member. Euan approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset and is always ready to lend a hand, contributing positively to group dynamics and overall morale. His inclusive approach and genuine interest in others' success help cultivate a strong sense of community and shared purpose, significantly enhancing the impact and cohesion of the research environment.

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Frank Gunn-Moore's attitude to work and the people is unique for his unprecedented kindness and sense of humour, also great choice of shirts.

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Frank Sullivan exemplifies research leadership through his unwavering dedication to supporting colleagues at every level. He invests significant time, effort, and resources to create opportunities for collaboration, growth, and leadership, particularly for junior staff. Frank goes above and beyond to ensure the success of papers, conferences, programmes, and grants, always making these opportunities accessible and inclusive. He actively promotes junior colleagues for positions of responsibility and is a strong advocate and true mentor. His generosity, encouragement, and commitment to building a positive, empowering research culture have had a profound and lasting impact on my own development and confidence.

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Professor Plain has provided guidance and support such that my attitude to academia and entire way of working seems to have been revitalised by her efforts. As well as giving erudite feedback and moral support when it was most needed, she has inspired the pursuit of opportunities that I would have never dared consider were it not for her encouragement. I am enormously fortunate for her mentorship in the turbulence of post-lockdown and cannot imagine where I or my career would be without her.

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Hamid supported my leadership development by encouraging independence, backing my funding applications, and trusting me to lead team meetings and resolve complex issues. His support created a refreshing opportunity for growth. He responds to suggestions with “That is an excellent idea,” fostering a positive, collaborative atmosphere. Hamid also runs 1-2-1 meetings focused on research culture and progress, always open to new ideas. His encouragement, trust, and practical support have helped me thrive. By creating a respectful and empowering environment, he enables better results and personal development. Working in his team has been a transformative experience for my career.

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Professor Jaclyn Pearson is an exceptional leader whose brilliance is matched by integrity, compassion, and approachability. As Director of Postgraduate Research, she brings world-leading ideas to life with clarity and passion, making them accessible and inspiring. Jaclyn supports junior colleagues with unwavering dedication, always acting with fairness and empathy. Her leadership is strong yet grounded, proving that excellence can coexist with kindness and balance. She consistently looks out for others, offering support that is both practical and heartfelt. Jaclyn is a role model whose impact reaches far beyond her own work, inspiring those around her through her vision and generosity.

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Working alongside Dr. Houghton has been genuinely transformative. Her research leadership isn't just about insightful direction; it's about the inclusive and supportive atmosphere she cultivates. I always strive to contribute my best work because of her collegiality and willingness to listen. She fosters a true sense of team, where good citizenship is not just encouraged, it is embodied. This collaborative spirit, driven by her example, has significantly elevated our project as well as my own professional growth and enthusiasm for our shared research goals.

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Kirsty exemplifies positive research culture, by generously sharing her insights and values to colleagues directly and through the PRISM network. She leads by example, sharing her work through open access, and ensuring that others beyond St Andrews can learn from it.

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Laura is well known as the "Laura-cle" because she is all knowing. She is always on hand to help or support, and if she can't directly, she will always give you a plan of who else to ask or try. Without her trying to find answers, everything would take so much longer and wouldn't be able to be done to the high standard it is because of her. Her positive can do attitude is also infectious. We are so lucky to have a Laura!

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Lianne is a problem-solver. During my tenure in the school of Biology, I came across a number of technical staff individuals, and Lianne stood head and shoulders above the rest. Her unique characteristic of helping everyone and facilitating everyone's issues is sorely missed. Lianne is an example to all (academic staff included) on ethics, values and respect. I believe Lianne embodies the culture of collegiality across the whole research community.

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Jo Cecil is dedicated, hardworking, and always willing to go the extra mile. She does a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work that helps keeps the course and School running smoothly. Fair, kind, and self-effacing, Jo never seeks recognition—her efforts are for the betterment of others. She notices when colleagues are struggling and proactively offers practical help, often at personal cost, such as taking on extra marking. Jo is dependable, approachable, and an outstanding role model. She has supported my career enormously, first as a mentor and now as a collaborator and valued colleague. Her quiet leadership makes a lasting impact.

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Dr. Mahmoud Elmarzouky offers truly unconditional support both personally and academically. His presence has been a source of steady encouragement where I always feel safe, heard, and valued. He gives without limits, never holding back his time or knowledge, and always believes in my potential even when I doubt myself. His way of building trust and showing genuine care has had a deep impact on me and created a positive, human-centered research culture that I am grateful to be part of.

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Mark’s leadership has had a transformative impact on my research journey. His mentorship combines deep pedagogical knowledge with kindness, clarity, and vision. He uplifts both colleagues and learners by listening deeply, offering thoughtful guidance, and inspiring innovation through doctoral programme design, collaborative research, and quiet encouragement at just the right moment. Mark creates the conditions for research to thrive: inclusive, thoughtful, and generative. Working alongside him has shaped both my confidence and my practice in ways I continue to carry forward.

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Karen Ross is the heart of our department—an extraordinary admin assistant who doesn’t just go the extra mile, she goes the extra 10 miles and packs your bag for you and brings snacks. She makes things happen with quiet efficiency, grace, and a self-effacing good nature that lifts everyone around her. Karen is a sounding board, a safety net, a problem-solver, and a constant source of support. Whether it’s technically her job or not, she rolls up her sleeves and gets it done. Her presence underpins our ‘can-do’ culture, and her kindness, reliability, and tireless dedication have had a profound and positive impact on me and the entire team.

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Mauireen has been an enormous support with risk assessment applications for researchers wanting to conduct research in Ukraine since the full-scale invasion. She is intelligent, efficient, and most importantly, kind in all of her correspondence with Ukrainian researchers. I truly believe that her input has contributed to some of the best Ukrainian research during wartime being made possible. It has helped to elevate St Andrews as a leader in this field, and she deserves to be celebrated.

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In every aspect of her work, Dr. Melanie Chocholek excels. Whether it's sampling mudflats in any weather at 5 a.m. due to tides, or supporting research projects at the undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. levels—keeping equipment running and experiments effective—Mel demonstrates exceptional dedication.

She combines expertise in geoscience and ecology with technical excellence, accomplishing a dizzying variety of tasks in a single day. Mel brings compassion and support to everyone she works with, showing genuine concern for the students she trains and mentors.

I believe she is easily worthy of this recognition.

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Michael is one of the most patient, open-minded researchers I have had the pleasure of working alongside. He makes it very clear that he is always willing to talk about new ideas and fosters a very collaborative working environment.

Michael always speaks with the same level of respect, enthusiasm, and intrigue whether he’s speaking to his most senior colleagues or new undergraduates dipping their toes into the water of computational maths.

It is qualities like this that make me, a junior member of the research group, feel that my contributions are meaningful and valuable.

Thank you, Michael!

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Nick Feasey is a staunch advocate for junior colleagues and a passionate champion of equality, diversity, and inclusivity. He actively works to change practice and culture, making research more accessible and achievable for all. His leadership fosters a positive, collaborative environment where early-career researchers and people from backgrounds that are traditionally underrepresented in medical academia feel supported and empowered. Nick’s mentorship encourages rigorous scientific enquiry while ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. His commitment to inclusive excellence and real-world relevance has deeply influenced my own approach to research, inspiring me to lead high-quality work with empathy, integrity, and inclusivity.

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Nissa served as our most recent Director of Research and did a stellar job supporting research initiatives across the school. She tirelessly read and provided feedback on multiple grant and fellowship applications of mine. Her insights drawn from extensive experience with a wide range of funding schemes were instrumental in my recent success. The culture of sharing, reviewing, and mentoring from senior to junior staff, exemplified by Nissa’s generous support, has contributed significantly to fostering a productive research environment within our school.

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Rachel is patient, kind, and generous with her time. She provided her expert guidance to support new colleagues who were not familiar with the university ethics system and helped deliver a proposed new way of working. A lot of her work happens "behind the scenes" and goes unseen, but with her support, we can be sure we are delivering our project with the highest level of integrity.

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Rebecca is a guru of all things to do with events and organising communication. Her no-nonsense, transparent communication style is so helpful and she has a winning way of galvanising people that I have not come across before and wish I could bottle up and sell! Her kind, smiling manner and her willingness to always have a laugh makes working with her a real pleasure. She brings professionalism and fun to event organisation!

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Rebekah is instrumental to research across the department. She regularly goes above and beyond her job description, fulfilling a leadership role and providing constant support for research projects in the CBD. Even when she was extremely busy conducting experimental work for researchers who were away, in addition to her own tasks, Rebekah still made time to help me when I was in the middle of a crisis. This culture of kindness and support Rebekah creates, in addition to her problem-solving, support and leadership, keeps our department functioning. She is irreplaceable, and deserves to be recognised for her knowledge and expertise.

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Ruth is a wonderful mentor and, despite not being in my research area, has spent many hours discussing with me my research and where I should aim to be in the long run. She has been motivational and her optimism and positive attitude have kept me going on and believing in myself during a period of major stress. She did this selflessly and with great politeness, kindness, and good sense. Ruth can listen attentively and genuinely. I wish that more colleagues could follow her example. I will take her as an example, and I will aim to help others in the future as she has helped me.

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Sarah is incredibly knowledgable about the ins and outs of grant finances, especially in putting together robust costings and helping working out what should go in. Her knowledge of the inner workings of the University is unrivalled, ensuring that every detail is thought of. She is hugely supportive colleague - no question is too small - and generous with her time.

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Stavroula is warm and generous with her time and freely gives advice to other members of staff. She holds herself and others to her own high standards, and supports colleagues to achieve their best. She seems to genuinely have a desire to make processes easier, and St Andrews is a better place with her in it!

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Stella is a very knowledgeable and hard-working member of the FGM team. She is always willing to help others in any way she can and treats everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of social status/background. Stella has a friendly and approachable demeanour and puts much effort into making newcomers to the lab/university feel welcome. She is also a great communicator who is passionate about conveying complex scientific concepts to the general public for the betterment of society. Stella is a top-tier asset to the University of St Andrews and should be recognised for her contributions towards a positive work environment in the School of Biology.

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I’m nominating Prof. Ferguson for his steadfast support of interdisciplinary research in our Governance, Organisations and Accountabilities (GOA) group, which he led for three years. He has built connections across accounting, philosophy, corporate governance, and human rights, supervising and examining several PhD students, two of whom secured SGSSS funding with his support. He has co-authored articles, edited a special issue, and organised interdisciplinary workshops with junior colleagues, including myself. As Co-Director of the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research for over a decade, he has attracted leading scholars and expanded research networks for staff and PhD students alike.

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Trevor Hawkey deeply cares for both animals and people, consistently fostering a positive, supportive research environment. His integrity and empathy inspire others to lead with purpose and respect. Trevor’s dedication to animal welfare extends to his team, encouraging thoughtful, ethical approaches to experiments and husbandry. His attention to detail ensures our research meets the highest standards and contributes to world-class outcomes. Trevor’s impact on research culture at St Andrews and beyond is profound, and his presence adds immense value to the University. We are incredibly fortunate to have him as a colleague.

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Gill Braulik has really broad experience working in different places around the world, so she is familiar with different cultures and this is very helpful in bringing diversity to the walls of the University.

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Dr. Emily Hanson has been vital to the ‘Phenomenal Bodies’ project, building an enthusiastic, collaborative, and intellectually rich research network. She’s played a key role in connecting academic institutions with disability advocacy groups across Scotland. Despite challenges, her passion and positivity have opened exciting new opportunities. Emily has also created meaningful student involvement, including content contributions from a student with lived experience of limb loss. Her support and encouragement have had a profound impact on partners, staff, and students. Her approach to collaborative research—grounded in empathy, inclusion, and intellectual rigour—is both personally and professionally inspiring.

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Mahamadou is one of the friendliest and most welcoming members of the school. In his capacity as our weekly football organiser, he is always looking for new people to join in, and makes them feel very welcome when they do. As a result, I’ve been introduced to many new people across the department, and feel like a more integrated member of the mathsy community.Mahamadou is one of the friendliest and most welcoming members of the school. In his capacity as our weekly football organiser, he is always looking for new people to join in, and makes them feel very welcome when they do. As a result, I’ve been introduced to many new people across the department, and feel like a more integrated member of the mathsy community.

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Mateja is an excellent PI. Not only is she collaborative and instructive in our project, but she is genuinely invested in my professional development and has played a formative role in shaping who I am as an early career scholar. She is generous with her time, thoughtful in her mentorship, and deeply committed to supporting young scholars as they navigate academia. As a coauthor, her dedication to conceptual clarity and intellectual rigor is evident and inspiring. Through this grant project, I’ve also seen her engage with policymakers in ways that are both strategic and empathetic—bridging the gap between research and practice, a truly valuable skill in our field.

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Nothing ever feels too much when you are asking Ramsay for help. He always goes above and beyond to get you the answers or support you need. You also know you are in safe hands when working with Ramsay on something.

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I’m nominating Dr Russell for her exemplary leadership of the PhD community in Management, particularly within the Governance, Organisations and Accountabilities (GOA) group. Over 13 years, she has supervised five theses, examined three, and supported students with compassion and academic rigour. As PGR Director (2020–23), she oversaw all PhD supervision and reviews during the pandemic, guiding the School through major adjustments. As Co-Director of the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research, she has brought in visiting researchers, seminar speakers, and built new networks for early career colleagues. Her dedication has had a lasting impact on our research culture.

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Sophie's middle name is Kindness.

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From day one, Sumit Bains has welcomed us with her warm smile and steady support. Her kindness, patience, and genuine care made us feel safe and confident that we are never alone in this journey. No matter the situation, we always know Sumit will be there to help, to listen, and to guide us through. Her constant presence brings comfort and calm, and her unwavering support has made a lasting difference in both our work and our wellbeing. Sumit is truly the heart of a positive, supportive research community.

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Terry proactively created and systematically supported a warm, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere in the Scottish Ocean Institute building through starting and running the SOI Friday Breakfast initiative and the SOI badminton club. Although Terry and I are not connected professionally as we are working on different projects involving directly opposite groups of animals, which are constantly competing with one another for food, his informal communication within the whole building helps to maintain this unique and resourceful environment where everyone feels friendly, accepted, and recognised.

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Russell is a tireless advocate for our research community. His scientific collaborations are extensive—he’s published with at least 23 colleagues at St Andrews. He’s championed my research externally, promoted ideas to funders, and used his own grants to support new collaborations. His support is proactive, practical, and freely given, with no expectation of return. Always available to talk through problems and offer advice, his impact goes far beyond outputs. While his titles honour his scientific contributions, Russell deserves equal recognition for his generosity, mentorship, and the lasting, positive influence he has on our research culture and academic community.