Double success at the Celebrating Excellence Awards

Cardiff School of Biosciences is celebrating after two staff members scooped awards at the 2016 Celebrating Excellence Awards ceremony.

The Celebrating Excellence Awards reward individual, team and collaborative achievements through a range of award categories, and recognise the contributions made by staff working in every area of the University's activities. This year’s winners were announced at a special presentation dinner in Cardiff University Students’ Union on 17 November.

Dr Glen Sweeney, Senior Lecturer at the School of Biosciences, received the ‘Excellence in Teaching’ award in recognition of his stimulating and inspiring teaching, and his ongoing commitment to enhancing the student experience.

As well as investing an “exceptional amount of emotional energy” into supporting students, Dr Sweeney has also introduced numerous innovations for feedback, and has designed innovative and challenging laboratory practicals and coursework assessments which drive learning and skills development.

The School’s second award was won by Head of Neuroscience Division, Professor Frank Sengpiel, together with Professor Derek Jones of CUBRIC and Dr Emma Lane from the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. The trio were presented with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Engagement’ award for their popular ‘Brain Games’ initiative – a day of fun and interactive activities at the National Museum designed to teach schoolchildren about the brain.

First created in 2012, Brain Games attracted over 3,000 visitors to the National Museum this year, and the initiative has been expanded to include a school assembly programme and a special ‘Brain Night’ event to engage with adults about the brain and mental health.

Professor Jim Murray, Head of the School of Biosciences extended his congratulations to the award recipients.

‘I am delighted that both Dr Glen Sweeney and Professor Frank Sengpiel won their respective categories. Both were up against some very stiff competition, but their hard work and commitment resulted in a victory that, in both cases, is highly deserved. This is a fantastic achievement and I’m sure you will join me in congratulating them!’