Carl Hingley, Senior Automotive Technician at The University of Birmingham’s School of Mechanical Engineering has received a Papin Prize in recognition of his contributions as a technician – sometimes described as the ‘unsung heroes’ of UK higher education.
The University of Birmingham, in conjunction with our fellow research intensive universities across the Midlands, celebrated the work of the technicians who underpin university life with the inaugural 2015 Higher Education Technicians’ Summit on Tuesday 30 June. The Summit was held in association with the research and innovation collaboration of the six leading Midlands universities and the Science Council.
Kelly Vere, Conference Chair, said: “The Summit is the first of its kind – celebrating the achievements, skills and expertise of university technical staff. We are thrilled to have attracted inspirational speakers and the support of a number of learned societies and organisations, all of whom are fully committed to the professional recognition of technicians in higher education and beyond."
Celebrating the talent of technicians
The skills, talent and experience of technicians were celebrated via the inaugural Papin Prizes, which were given to individual technicians across the Midlands region who have demonstrated excellence.
Carl is the Senior Technician for Mechanical Engineering at the University of Birmingham and manages the University’s Formula Student Racing Team. He has worked at the University for over 30 years and was recently received a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s birthday honours.
Carl said: