Spotlight on our Staff and Students

The research of our staff and students brings innovation in Science and Engineering with a clear impact on society, environment and our local community.

Dr Atanas Tomov (Technical Facilities Manager)

Atanas is a Chemist and the Technical Facilities Manager in the School of Physical and Chemical Sciences . He is leading a focused campaign on reducing fume hood sash openings – the movable transparent panel at the front of a fume cabinet – particularly outside of standard working hours. This has already resulted in a potentially substantial decrease in energy consumption and a significant drop in the university's carbon footprint. The campaign extends beyond simply presenting data. "The aim isn't just to show energy consumption but to encourage a culture change," Atanas emphasised. "We want to educate users on the importance of closing sashes".  Atanas's work has been recognised with a 2025 Research and Innovation Award in the Research Technician category (photo below right).

Rory Bennett (Bioengineering PhD student)

Rory is a PhD student in the Centre for Bioengineering supervised by Prof Zion Tse. Rory's research is focused on prostate ultrasound imaging and sensing. He has recently been awarded the Worshipful Company of Engineers Mercia Award for developing a potential prostate cancer screening technique using AI and surface-based ultrasound scans. The photo below shows Rory (centre) receiving his award from Mercia Award Coordinator Peter Elliot (left), with Prof Zion Tse (right).

Kymani Armstrong-Williams (Physics PhD student)

Kymani is a PhD student in the Centre for Fundamental Physics  supervised by Prof Chris White. Kymani's work lies on the interface between Theoretical Particle Physics (in particular Quantum Field Theory) and Gravity. He explores and exploits the hidden mathematical relationships that connect gravity and particle physics, in a framework known as the Double Copy. Kymani has been recently awarded a Royal Society Career Development Fellowship. Below, Kymani and Chris on graduation day.