Professor Ben Lambert has won a 2025/26 Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Award for Outstanding Research Supervision, recognised for his exceptional dedication to supporting researchers at every stage of their development.

An Associate Professor of Statistics and AI in Science, Professor Lambert was praised by nominators for his hands-on approach, which helps researchers build confidence, ask questions and identify new research directions. One nominator described him as "instrumental in their development", while another highlighted his willingness to work through technical problems in real time, helping researchers develop a deep understanding of complex methods and ideas.

Professor Frank Windmeijer, Head of the Department of Statistics, said: "What stands out about Ben's supervision is the care and attention he gives to every stage of a researcher's development. Whether he is helping someone work through a technical challenge, develop new skills or prepare for the next step in their career, he invests an extraordinary amount of time and energy in supporting others. I am delighted to see his contribution recognised through this award."

The MPLS Awards for Outstanding Research Supervision celebrate academics and research staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to nurturing talent and supporting career development. Award winners are selected following nominations from researchers and students across the Division.

Nominators also highlighted the breadth of opportunities Professor Lambert creates for skill development, from courses and workshops on academic writing and high-performance computing to programming sessions in R and Julia, and praised his ability to identify training needs and actively support researchers in building their expertise.

Researchers described Professor Lambert as fostering "an open, collaborative and supportive environment" where they felt comfortable asking questions and never discouraged from admitting when they did not understand something. Researchers also highlighted his genuine curiosity about their lives outside the lab, with international students in particular noting how welcome this made them feel. His efforts to bring together people from different backgrounds and disciplines, including through initiatives such as the Bioinference conference, were also recognised.

Beyond formal supervision, Professor Lambert was praised for the support he provides at a personal and professional level, including detailed feedback on job applications, mock interviews and career advice. As one nominator wrote, his level of commitment "has exceeded all my previous supervision experiences."

Professor Jim Naismith, Head of MPLS Division, said: "My congratulations to all of this year's award winners. They exemplify the very best of our academic community through their generosity, leadership, and commitment to others. I would also like to thank everyone who was nominated for the positive difference they make to the lives and careers of researchers across MPLS."