Alex has been part of Newcastle University for 15 years, starting as Manager of the Bioimaging Unit before moving into senior leadership roles. He currently oversees 12 core facilities, balancing the strategic and financial management of resources with staff development.
Alex’s achievements include:
- Pivotal work to transform the university’s approach to multi-user equipment procurement, creating a model that puts research technical professionals (RTPs) at the heart of funding applications. This approach has already secured over £7.2 million of investment in new equipment since 2022, with an impressive success rate.
- Championing RTPs to co-develop and lead funding bids, with 80% of proposals now led by technical colleagues. Alex’s mentorship and guidance have not only boosted success rates but also instilled confidence and visibility for the RTP community.
- National recognition with invitations to serve on advisory and review panels for both the Medical Research Council and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
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Alex is deeply valued for his warmth, humour and team spirit. He describes working with RTPs as being “like the A-Team”, with each individual bringing unique skills that combine to deliver great success. As he puts it: “I love it when a plan comes together.” This outlook has inspired colleagues and fostered a culture of trust, innovation and pride within his teams.
Although Alex admits to experiencing a touch of imposter syndrome at being shortlisted, his pride in the community he represents shines through. For him, the recognition is not only personal but a testament to the incredible dedication of his colleagues at Newcastle and across the UK.
Meet the other nominees for this year’s Outstanding Technician of the Year Award:
- Jiteen Ahmed, Aston University
- Helena Brown, University of Leeds
- Phil Chaplain, Robert Gordon University
- Linda Lightley, Northumbria University
- John Nicolson, University of Cambridge
- Joe Rees-Jones, University of York
- Kate Robinson, Harper Adams University
Winners will be announced on 13 November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
