Vice-Chancellor’s Award for ORC academic

An Optoelectronics Research Centre (ORC) academic has been honoured in this year’s Vice-Chancellor’s Awards for his outstanding contribution to significantly enhancing the University’s life and reputation. 

Dr James Gates, Senior Research Fellow at the ORC, was nominated for the awards by Outreach Officer Pearl John. She recommended James for showing exceptional imagination and innovative action in promoting Physics and Photonics. 

She said: “James has worked tirelessly promoting Physics and Photonics in schools and the community ever since he was a student. 

“He was instrumental in building the Light Express laser show that has been touring schools and colleges for the last 10 years and also worked on an Innovative Foundation Photonics programme. 

“James treats everyone he is teaching with a great deal of respect. He is always able to tailor his teaching to the level of the student and is enthusiastic and supportive. 

“As well as all this James has also carried out voluntary outreach work with disadvantaged young people, scout groups, gifted and talented groups and hundreds of members of the public.” 

James was one of 11 individual and five team winners who were presented with their awards by Vice-Chancellor Professor Don Nutbeam at a special ceremony recently. 

The awards are given out annually to recognise truly exceptional contributions that have been made by staff. 

James said: “I was surprised to have been nominated for an award, let alone won one. I was really pleased that people have noticed the efforts I have made over the past 10 years and that the University recognises the importance of our outreach programme. 

“During my time at the University I have been fortunate to work with many similarly enthusiastic people in Physical and Applied Sciences and I am pleased that the university is committed to continuing to run this extremely successful programme.”