Department of Education success in Vice-Chancellor’s Awards
Dr Debbie Aitken was a finalist in the Support for Students Award, which recognises colleagues who have supported students’ development.
Dr Sara Ratner was Highly Commended in the Breakthrough Researcher category, which recognises researchers at the early stages of their careers who have made a significant impact on the University.
Dr Ratner shared: “This nomination reflects the wonderful mentoring and support I’ve received at Oxford. I am grateful for my colleagues who’ve encouraged me to share my work more widely. With industry partners, we co-created a free AI storybook platform for children, generating 3.7 million story sessions in 18 languages. Work that informed the establishment of AIEOU, an interdisciplinary research hub that has attracted a thousand external collaborators from 100+ countries. Coming from teaching and industry, and having only very recently completed my PhD in June 2024, I was amazed by the warmth and support I have received here and I’ve found people genuinely willing to mentor and connect you with opportunities. My advice to new researchers is to not feel afraid about approaching people across the University and starting a conversation, because you never know where it might lead.’’
Dr Aitken shared: “Being shortlisted for the Support for Students Award is a wonderful recognition of our collective effort to create inclusive and supportive environments for our students. I’m incredibly grateful to work alongside such committed colleagues and inspiring students who continually motivate our progress in student welfare and educational excellence.”
The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards recognise the achievements and celebrate success across the University – from academics and researchers to professional, technical and support staff, whether they are in colleges, divisions, departments, central services, libraries, museums or elsewhere. There were 160 award entries across the 11 categories this year, with 1,300 individuals included in the nominations.
The Vice-Chancellor Professor Irene Tracey, CBE FRS FMedSci presented the awards at a special ceremony at the Sheldonian Theatre on 15 May 2025.
Find out more on the awards webpage.
