Phil has dedicated 21 years of service to RGU, where he currently leads a team of eight highly skilled supervisors and design technicians. His role goes far beyond management – he remains passionately involved in hands-on work, especially welding, fabrication and solving complex engineering problems. His colleagues often note that he leads by example – a leader who is as comfortable in the workshop as he is in the boardroom.
Phil’s achievements include:
- Pivotal role in designing and building a £100,000 bespoke flow-loop system to test the BSC Turbo Separator, a groundbreaking technology with potential to transform offshore oil operations. Delivered ahead of schedule, the project demonstrated Phil’s meticulous planning, creativity and ability to deliver under pressure. Beyond technical delivery, he developed safety protocols, supported data analysis and showcased the innovation to global stakeholders, amplifying the university’s reputation for cutting-edge research.
- International impact: Phil recently designed and built a geothermal cooling system to support research in Kenya with the aim of improving housing conditions for low-income communities.
- Driving forward the establishment of a hydrogen laboratory, strengthening RGU’s renewable energy and sustainability research capabilities.
- Leadership in times of challenge: Following a major restructuring at RGU, Phil’s optimism and dedication kept his team motivated, engaged and focused on building a positive future under during difficult circumstances, reflecting his resilience and people-centred leadership.
What Phil enjoys most about his role is the variety – working with everyone from students and professors to technicians and senior leaders. He appreciates the fact that his contributions are listened to and acted upon, and he thrives on being part of a vibrant, collaborative university community.
Phil summarises his motivation with a simple yet powerful mantra: “to do the very best job I can, making stuff that works, and giving students and staff the best possible support”.
Being shortlisted for this award came as a complete surprise to him, but his colleagues are not surprised at all. Every day, they see his unwavering dedication, technical brilliance and commitment to building an inclusive and thriving environment for all.
Meet the other nominees for this year’s Outstanding Technician of the Year Award:
- Jiteen Ahmed, Aston University
- Helena Brown, University of Leeds
- Dr Alex Laude, Newcastle 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.
