FindAMasters & FindAPhD launched the Postgrad Awards this year to reward exceptional people whose dedication, determination and passion for their work is outstanding.

We want to thank everyone who submitted a nomination and took the time to recognise someone who they believe is deserving of an award, it has been a pleasure to receive so many inspirational nominations.

All entries were of a really high standard, and we are delighted to reveal our winners:

Masters student of the year - Thomas Ovenden
Masters teacher of the year - Kevin Coward
PhD student of the year - Bethan Rogoyski
PhD supervisor of the year - David Fletcher

Feedback from our Postgrad Awards judges:

"I enjoyed so much hearing the entries of every person" - Trina Everall, Commercial Director, Wonkhe

"The judging day was a very interesting and inspiring morning" - Dan Beynon, Head of Education, SMRS

Thomas’ application showcased his passion and commitment for his MSc in Environmental Forestry at Bangor University, which culminated in him publishing his ambitious Masters research project data in an international journal. Thomas is now a PhD student, researching the resiliance of forest to extreme climate events at the University of Stirling.

Our judges crowned Thomas the winner and said "very few Masters students can claim to have made real world impacts during their Masters Degree, but Thomas, whose Masters was his first experience of higher education, achieved national press coverage for his project to reintroduce the Lynx into Scotland."

Kevin was nominated by lab manager, Celine, who detailed the extensive work that Kevin has put in to design and develop the MSc Clinical Embryology at University of Oxford. Celine spoke about Kevin’s dedication to his students through innovative teaching, encouraging students’ writing, and providing CV and mock interviews for students to enhance their career progression.

Our judges chose Kevin as Masters teacher of the year and said "Kevin is a committed and passionate teacher who builds long standing relationships with his students. He creates life long impact on his students and is an innovator in learning strategy."

Bethan Rogoyski

PhD in Cancer Prevention, University of Leicester.

Bethan was nominated by an ex-colleague who outlined Beth’s research excellence during her PhD in Cancer Prevention at University of Leicester, including presenting her work at international conferences and mentoring her peers. Outside the lab Beth has volunteered with a number of charities, as well as developing her own project to improve STEM engagement in deprived communities, and drawing comics to break down complex scientific ideas.

The judging panel loved reading Bethan's application, and thought Bethan went "over and above her academic excellence, she is constantly finding new ways to inspire others in her field."

Six of David’s current and former PhD students came together to showcase David’s sustained and outstanding support of PhD students in Sports and Performance Psychology at Loughborough University. These students spoke about his academic and pastoral supervision, supporting students to present at international conferences, nominating them for professional awards, running ‘writing sessions’ to improve students’ writing skills, and supporting students in gaining their desired employment after their PhD’s.

The judges thought David has an "innovative approach to supporting students and a real commitment to creating employment opportunities."

To be the first to find out when nominations for our 2020 Postgrad Awards open, and for details about how to enter, make sure you sign up to our Newsletter below.