This prize is given to promote, recognise and reward excellence in the supervision of doctoral students of all kinds.

In 2017 the prize was presented to Dr Marcelle McManus in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Dr McManus’s nomination demonstrated an outstanding record of supervision, having successfully guided eleven PhD students to completion of their studies. Dr McManus provides the intellectual lead for a large group of research students. She stands out as an academic who is passionate about the welfare and progress of her students, and committed to supporting their education and academic success.

Dr McManus is Deputy Postgraduate Ombudsman. The respect she has earned from the postgraduates and her approachability make her ideally suited to this important role, and this has provided her with an opportunity to influence the culture of doctoral supervision across the University. Her enthusiasm for research and support to her students make her an inspirational role model.