Water Woman Award: making a positive impact
The water@leeds Water Woman Award celebrates a fourth edition this year, as it continues to recognize the achievements of women in water research, and their power to inspire others.
To encourage those who may be considering applications and nominations this week, two previous 2023 winners have reflected on the benefits of the award and talked about what it has meant to them.
Inspiring
Professor of Climate Dynamics, Amanda Maycock received the Water Woman Award in 2023 in recognition of her Research Excellence. Dr. Juliane Schwendike, Associate Professor in Meteorology nominated Professor Maycock for the award, and said in her nomination:
‘Amanda inspires others by being a role model for women in mathematical sciences, particularly through leading the Institute for Climate and Atmospheric Science. Witnessing how she creates a supportive environment for her staff is inspiring leadership. The level of scientific achievements Amanda has reached in the last 5 years is truly outstanding.”
Professor Maycock reflected on the award and said:
I was very honoured to be nominated and selected for the Water Woman Award. There are so many colleagues in the University who are highly committed to their roles and who deserve recognition but may not receive that often enough. I strongly encourage you all to nominate someone in your area who is deserving of recognition and will greatly appreciate your words.
Dedication
The Water Woman Award for Research Support is given to those who provide dedicated support through administrative, organisational or technical support, which is crucial for the delivery of excellent research and impact.
Sarah Hunt, Research & Facilities Support Technician, School of Geography, who was honoured in 2023 for her outstanding commitment to research support and her essential work on a range of impactful projects.
Sarah’s work is crucial for the data collection on water research projects and is highly regarded by the academic team involved. She has learned from working with these teams and reciprocates by developing the skills needed to support them. Sarah has worked at the School of Geography for 10 years on a varied range of water related projects.
On winning the award Sarah said:
I was delighted to receive a Water Woman Award. It has been really great to have my work recognised as a member of support staff, as we are often unseen within the process. I think the award has been very beneficial in giving more recognition for those like me, working behind the scenes, and I encourage technicians, and research support staff working in water to apply!
Recognition
Water Woman Award has consolidated as a clear feature of institutional recognition of the value of our women researchers. The award won First Prize in the Personal Development, Reward, and Recognition category in the University’s inaugural Research Culture and Engaged for Impact Awards.
Awards founder, Professor Julia Martin-Ortega invites all members of the University to ‘get curious about what their excellent women colleagues have to say about the research they develop and support and to champion a more inclusive and nurturing environment for all.’
The co-chairs of Women at Leeds Network who help judge the awards added:
The Water Woman Award provides a brilliant platform to showcase the amazing contribution and achievement of our hardworking, talented colleagues. We are surrounded by inspirational colleagues who deserve to be recognised and celebrated as role models.
Nominate or Apply now!
Now is your chance to celebrate the amazing women in water research who collaborate, support and inspire the Leeds water research community.
Nominations and applications close at midnight on 17th January and winners will be announced on the UN International Day of Women and Girls in Science.