Out of 270 nominations across six categories, Professor Will Whittow has been shortlisted as PhD Supervisor of the Year, and the Doctoral Wellbeing Fortnight and the mindfulness walk are up for Best Postgraduate Wellbeing Initiative.
A panel of judges will now select the winners, due to be announced on 7 June.
Dr Katryna Kalawsky, organiser of the Doctoral Wellbeing Fortnight said: “It is absolutely wonderful that the Doctoral Wellbeing Fortnight is shortlisted for a prestigious FindAPhD Award!
“The initiative was a huge collaborative effort with more than 40 events and 50 contributors; a real feat especially given that the event took place entirely online during a national lockdown. Everyone that contributed towards the Fortnight should feel immensely proud of what was achieved – put simply without their input and generosity in offering their expertise so willingly to support the Doctoral community, the Fortnight would not have been possible!”
Kathrin Burdenski and Ursula Davis, the organisers of the Wellness Walk added: “It is excellent to see wellbeing so widely celebrated. We hope the walk, which is planned to become a permanent offer at the University, will encourage staff and students to seek awareness and happiness in the small things in life.”
On his nomination Professor Whittow said: “I’m honoured to have been shortlisted for PhD Supervisor of the Year. The trick is having excellent students. I am delighted to take the perceived recognition for all their talent and hard work.”
Professor Liz Peel, Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Doctoral College) added: “I am delighted to see our dedicated work on wellbeing and one of our supervisors nominated for these awards. We are lucky to have such passionate colleagues and doctoral researchers focused on enhancing wellbeing and promoting mental health at the University, alongside many excellent research degree student supervisors with Professor Will Whittow representing the tip of a large iceberg.
“I’m sure the University community will join me in keeping fingers crossed that Loughborough wins in both the ‘PhD Supervisor of the Year’ and the ‘Best PG Wellbeing Initiative’ categories.”
More information on the Postgrad Awards is available here.