Dr Steve Hailes receives Engineering Engagement Outstanding Contribution Award

Dr Steve Hailes

Dr Steve Hailes (Department of Computer Science) has received the Outstanding Contribution Award at the Provost's Engineering Engagement Awards ceremony

Steve Hailes commented: "this is actually a result of teamwork. The department (and faculty) set out to be more proactive in engaging with the school community, and many people have bought into that and have put a lot of hard work into making it a success. There have been too many to name individually, but they range from those in my research group to the department's professional services staff, teaching staff and students. Most importantly, we've had consistent support from the departmental and faculty leadership and, tangibly, the foresight to invest the resources to make it happen - from Engduinos to staff. In particular, we've had the support of Elpida Makrygianni and Rae Harbird as a result of that investment, and they have been unstinting in their efforts and enthusiasm in making this a success."

The citation for Steve Hailes commends him for "... showing true leadership and excellence in his engagement with young audiences and for transforming lives of many young people across the UK, influencing the future of the coding curriculum; working with local councils, communities and government to change perceptions on computer science and engineering; developing innovative teaching resources and activities that promote creative and critical thinking. His dedication, hard-work and inspirational leadership have influenced staff and students in his department to develop and deliver numerous activities and teaching resources. He has significantly contributed to changing the stereotypical perceptions around STEM subjects in young people – especially girls and young women – their teachers and parents on a national scale."

There was success for three other members of the department:

• Rae Harbird was a runner-up in the "Research/Academic Staff (Grade 6 & 7)" category;
• Laszlo De Brissac, was the winner in the "Undergraduate Student" category;
• Chaitanya Agrawal was one of the runners-up in the same category.