There were an incredible 119 nominations across the Department. The difficult, although rewarding, task of shortlisting nominations fell to a judging panel chaired by the Deputy Head of Department (People and EDI), with: Kamal Mahtani, Michelle Yeung, Asha Kaur, Lucy Cureton, Kathryn Ungerer, as representatives from the Athena Swan Self-Assessment Team and Value Champions. The panel were also joined by an external representative, Katherine Shepherd, from the Department of Psychiatry.
Congratulations to all those nominated as well as those highly commended and the winners! The highly commended and winners were announced at our Values Award Ceremony at the Department Conference on 03 June 2026:
Ambitious
There were 20 nominations for this value with one winner and one highly commended.
Winner for the Value Award of Ambitious: Lei Clifton
Lei Clifton was recognised with the Ambitious Award for her exceptional leadership in advancing AI capability, collaboration, and innovation across the Department and beyond. Through internationally significant research programmes, cross-disciplinary partnerships, and strategic contributions to AI and data science, she has helped position the Department at the forefront of emerging healthcare technologies. Alongside this, Lei has created opportunities for colleagues and students to develop ambitious ideas, build new skills, and contribute to impactful research and learning.
Highly Commended: Nicolas Armijo Escalona
Nicolas received a Highly Commended recognition in the Ambitious Award category for research that has had an impact far beyond expectations for his career stage. Through internationally significant work on antimicrobial resistance surveillance, he has contributed directly to research informing forthcoming World Health Organization guidance. Alongside producing rigorous and policy-relevant analyses, Nicolas has supported colleagues and DPhil students to achieve internationally recognised success, demonstrating both exceptional initiative and a strong commitment to helping others thrive.
COLLABORATIVE
There were 27 nominations for this value with two highly commended and one winner.
Winner for the Creative award: Magnus Hamann
Magnus was recognised as the winner of the Collaborative Award for his exceptional commitment to building connections across disciplines, departments, and international communities. Through creating new opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange, he has brought together researchers from the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Healthcare to foster meaningful collaboration and shared learning. His open, inclusive, and proactive approach has strengthened networks within and beyond the University, creating lasting opportunities for partnership, innovation, and community impact.
Highly Commended: Elizabeth-Ann Schroeder
Elizabeth-Anne received a Highly Commended recognition in the Collaborative Award category for her exceptional ability to bring together colleagues from different disciplines to achieve shared goals. Through patience, empathy, and intellectual humility, she helped bridge gaps between health economics, digital health, and AI engineering, ensuring that all perspectives were heard and valued. Her calm and thoughtful leadership enabled progress through complexity and uncertainty, while creating a supportive environment that nurtured the confidence and development of early career colleagues.
Highly Commended: Organisers of the Department Open Meetings
The Department Open Meetings Team received a Highly Commended recognition in the Collaborative Award category for their outstanding teamwork in the organisation and delivery of Departmental Open Meetings. Through partnership working across the Department, the wider University, and external organisations, they have created engaging events that bring together diverse perspectives and strengthen connections across the department. Their dependability, teamwork, and commitment to inclusive collaboration have consistently ensured that Departmental Open Meetings are delivered to an exceptionally high standard.
CrEATIVE
There were 17 nominations for this value with one highly commended and one winner.
Winner: Charlie Vicary
Charlie was recognised as the winner of the Creative Award for bringing curiosity, innovation, and creative problem-solving to every aspect of his work. Through developing inclusive and person-centred trial processes, challenging established ways of working, and creating space for open and collaborative discussion, he has strengthened both the research and the team around him. His willingness to ask thoughtful questions, adapt to new contexts, and champion accessible approaches has led to meaningful improvements for colleagues, research participants, and the wider programme.
Highly Commended: The Cancer Group Implementation Team
The Cancer Group Implementation Team received a Highly Commended recognition in the Creative Award category for demonstrating creativity in both research and ways of working. By bringing together expertise from a range of disciplines, the team has developed innovative approaches to community engagement, diagnostic testing, and inclusive research practice to address complex challenges in cancer research. Their ability to combine imagination with scientific rigour, alongside a collaborative culture that encourages ideas from all team members, has helped drive meaningful innovation and improve understanding and access to care.
Fair
There were six nominations for this value with one highly commended and one winner.
Winner: Abi Eccles
Abi was recognised as the winner of the Fair Award for her exceptional commitment to fairness, inclusion, and equity in both teaching and research. Through thoughtful leadership of the MSc dissertation process, she ensured students felt supported, listened to, and treated fairly at every stage. Alongside this, Abi has championed inclusive research practices by embedding equity and diverse patient perspectives into AI and healthcare research. Her empathy, diplomacy, and dedication have made a meaningful difference to students, colleagues, and the wider research community.
Highly Commended: Phuong Bich Tran
Phuong received a Highly Commended recognition in the Fair Award category for making a lasting difference to fairness and inclusion through thoughtful, practical action. By creating initiatives such as an induction pack, buddy system, peer support group, and internship programme, she has helped colleagues feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive within the Health Economics Group. Her consistent commitment to improving transparency, accessibility, and community has strengthened team culture and created opportunities for others to succeed and contribute with confidence.
Respectful and Kind
There were 30 nominations for this value with one highly commended and one winner.
Winner: Fahad Al-Huda
Fahad Al-Huda was recognised as the winner of the Respectful and Kind Award for the profound impact he has had on the DPhil community through compassion, inclusivity, and genuine care for others. As DPhil representative, he has worked tirelessly to ensure students feel heard, supported, and connected, while creating opportunities that strengthen community and belonging. Through every interaction, Fahad demonstrates warmth, empathy, and respect, treating everyone with equal kindness and dignity. His thoughtful leadership and commitment to supporting others have helped make the department a more welcoming, inclusive, and supportive place for all.
Highly Commended: Nava Gottlieb
Nava received a Highly Commended recognition in the Respectful and Kind Award category for consistently bringing kindness, warmth, and respect to everyone around her. Through her generosity, empathy, and genuine care for others, she helps create a welcoming and inclusive environment where colleagues feel supported, celebrated, and valued. Whether welcoming new starters, offering support during difficult moments, or championing fairness and understanding across different cultures and backgrounds, Nava makes a meaningful difference to the wellbeing and sense of belonging of colleagues in the Sustainable Healthy Food Group and beyond.
Trustworthy and Accountable
There were 18 nominations for this value with one highly commended and one winner.
Winner: Marta Wanat
Marta was recognised as the winner of the Trustworthy and Accountable Award for consistently demonstrating integrity, reliability, and thoughtful leadership in everything she does. Through creating an inclusive and supportive environment within her Behavioural Science research group, she has strengthened collaboration, encouraged meaningful contribution across career stages, and fostered a culture of openness and shared success. Alongside her commitment to high-quality research, Marta’s principled and reflective approach has inspired colleagues, strengthened the work of the group, and created a lasting positive impact on those around her.
Highly Commended: Members of the Health Behaviours Team
The Health Behaviours Trial Management Team received a Highly Commended recognition in the Trustworthy and Accountable Award category for demonstrating exceptional trustworthiness, accountability, and teamwork during periods of change and challenge. Through supporting and training colleagues, adapting to unpredictable staffing pressures, and taking shared responsibility for complex international trials, they have consistently maintained high standards of organisation, delivery, and participant care. Their proactive approach to improving systems and supporting one another has strengthened both team wellbeing and the quality of research, making them an invaluable part of the department community.