Imperial researchers recognised at the Early-Career Researcher Institute (ECRI) Awards

Two researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to colleagues and the wider research community.

• Dr Laura Helleckes was named winner of the Postdoc or Fellow Displaying the Most Outstanding Support of Staff or Students award
• Dr Talia Shmool was named runner-up in the Postdoc or Fellow Creating a Positive Research Environment category.

The awards, organised by the Early Career Researcher Institute (ECRI), celebrate the achievements and contributions of research staff across Imperial College London. They recognise not only research excellence, but also the important role that researchers play in supporting colleagues, developing positive working environments and contributing to the wider research community.

Recognised by their peers

Laura and Talia’s achievements are particularly meaningful because both were recognised through multiple nominations from their peers.

The volume and strength of the feedback received from colleagues across the Department highlight the positive impact they have on those they work with. Their recognition reflects the many ways in which research staff contribute to the Department beyond their individual research – whether through supporting students and colleagues, sharing knowledge and expertise, or helping to create a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

Laura’s award recognises her exceptional commitment to supporting staff and students. Through her work with colleagues, she has demonstrated a willingness to share her time, knowledge and experience, helping others to develop and succeed.

Talia’s recognition as runner-up in the positive research environment category celebrates her contribution to building a supportive and collaborative culture. Her nomination reflects the value colleagues place on the positive environment she helps to foster within the Department.

Their achievements highlight the important contribution our research staff make to the Department, not only through their research directly, but also through support for the wider research community. Professor Jason Hallett Head of Department, Chemical Engineering

Professor Jason Hallett, Head of Department, Chemical Engineering, said: “I am positively delighted to see Laura and Talia recognised at this year’s ECRI Awards. These awards are particularly meaningful because they reflect the views of their colleagues, and the positive impact they have on those around them. Their achievements highlight the important contribution our research staff make to the Department, not only through their research directly, but also through support for the wider research community.”

Celebrating our research community

The ECRI awards provide an opportunity to recognise the significant contribution that postdocs and fellows make to Imperial’s research community. For the Department of Chemical Engineering, Laura and Talia’s success is also a reflection of the strength of our wider research culture and the importance of colleagues recognising and supporting one another.