Centre for Mathematical Cognition technical tutor nominated for prestigious Papin Prize

A technician in the Centre for Mathematical Cognition has been nominated for a 2021 Papin Prize, which is dedicated to celebrating technical excellence and innovation in higher education and research.

A technician in the Centre for Mathematical Cognition (CMC) has been nominated for a 2021 Papin Prize, which is dedicated to celebrating technical excellence and innovation in higher education and research.

Aatif Patel has been nominated for the ‘Contribution to Research’ category, an award presented to a member of staff who has made significant contribution to research.

The Papin Prizes are named after Denis Papin, a 17th-century technician who worked with Robert Boyle. Papin invented the steam digester and was one of the first technicians to publish in his own name. 

Aatif, who is Technical Tutor for the CMC which sits within the Mathematics Education Centre (MEC), is one of 3 members of technical staff across the University to be nominated for this year’s awards.

Tim Jay, Head of the MEC, said: “Aatif is an invaluable member of the Centre for Mathematical Cognition. He has been a fantastic source of support and training for academic staff and doctoral researchers and contributes a huge amount to our collective research activity across a variety of different research questions and methods.”

The shortlisted staff members are as follows: 

  • Contribution to Research – Aatif Patel 

This award is presented to a member of staff who has made a significant contribution to research. 

  • Technical team – School of Design and Creative Arts 

This category celebrates a group of technicians who have worked together to deliver excellence. 

  • The Professor Lord Bhattacharyya Lifetime Achievement Award – Alastair Daley 

The winners will be announced on 10 November at the Higher Education Technician Summit, which celebrates the success and achievements of technicians in higher education and research.