John Willis Award - Winner 2013
This Award is made to an academic who has demonstrated dedication to the academic and personal lives of students combined with accomplishment in research.
This year's winner of the John Willis Award:
Dr Simon Lewis
Department of Chemistry
About Dr Simon Lewis
Dr Simon Lewis was selected by the Committee for this Award for his acknowledged commitment and contributions to teaching, research and the pastoral support of his students. In receipt of a considerable number of nominations from departmental colleagues and students, Dr Lewis’ reputation for excellent teaching across a wide range of courses was noted together with his active research in the area of drug discovery. Making a major contribution to the re-launch of the ‘Chemistry for Drug Discovery’ degree programmes last year, Dr Lewis’ was praised for the way in which he supported the redesign and successful delivery of these programmes at all levels. The Committee recognised the extent to which Dr Lewis is committed to providing the highest quality of student pastoral care noting the importance he places on his responsibilities towards his personal tutees by always making himself available for discussion, resolution of issues and the provision of thorough and supportive letters of recommendation for students seeking placements or employment. Senior colleagues in the department commented on Dr Lewis’ research record, achieved in a remarkably short period of time, already in excess of 15 independent papers and book chapters. Of this, Dr Lewis has achieved four publications arising from his projects, one of which was published in the The Royal Society of Chemistry’s flagship journal in the area of Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry. Dr Lewis’ capability to integrate his teaching and research in a way that benefits his undergraduate students was also praised. The Committee were also impressed at the hugely complimentary way in which a number of Dr Lewis’ students described the very responsive and supportive approach they have experienced and the extent to which their work has clearly benefited from his skill, care and expertise. The Committee felt Dr Lewis was highly deserving of this Award.
