Professor Claire Nichols receives MPLS Award for Outstanding Research Supervision

Each year, the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division celebrates exceptional commitment to mentoring and supporting colleagues through the Awards for Outstanding Research Supervision.

Claire Nichols, Associate Professor of the Geology of Planetary Processes and Tutorial Fellow in Earth Sciences at St Edmund Hall, is among this year’s recipients in recognition of her ability to inspire confidence, foster collaboration, and support her students both academically and personally.

The supporting nominations for the award highlighted the following:

• Claire’s supervision style is characterised as a genuine partnership, where she actively seeks feedback and tailors her approach to meet individual needs. This personalised mentorship has created a lab environment that her students describe as a “second family,” fostering both academic excellence and personal wellbeing.
• One of Claire’s qualities is her unwavering support for her students’ independent research goals. She goes above and beyond even when their interests diverge from her own. As one nominator noted, “Claire will go out of her way to provide contacts and support: she will set up calls or make introductions in person.” This dedication has led to successful collaborations and high-impact academic work, including multiple peer-reviewed publications.
• Claire’s holistic approach extends beyond academic support, as she encourages students to engage in teaching, leadership opportunities, and sports, promoting well-rounded development. Her genuine warmth and organisation of social events further enhance the supportive and inclusive atmosphere of her lab.
• Claire’s commitment to her students’ mental wellbeing is exemplary. One nominator commented, “Claire has made it a point to frequently check in with us ensuring that our mental wellbeing is her and our first priority.” This pastoral care, combined with her scientific guidance, makes her an outstanding supervisor.

Many congratulations, Claire!

Find out more about the awards on the MPLS website.