The University of Birmingham has announced the winners of the 2025 Founders’ Awards for Excellence, including a unique anniversary award.
Chancellor Sandie Okoro, Professor KK Cheng, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell
The University of Birmingham is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Founders’ Awards, which celebrate the very best of world-leading research, teaching and innovation that make a lasting impact – locally, nationally, and globally.
In addition to the four annual award categories, named in honour of some of Birmingham’s most visionary figures, this year saw the special addition of a prestigious, one-off award to mark the University’s 125th milestone year – The 125 Anniversary Award for Outstanding Contribution.
Vice Chancellor and Principal, Professor Adam Tickell, said: “I am delighted to announce the winners of the Founders’ Awards in this landmark year. Named after some of our city’s most influential figures, these awards reflect the pioneering spirit that inspired the creation of the University 125 years ago and provide an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic work our academics do, day in and day out. Congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”
The winners of the 2025 Founders’ Awards for Excellence are:
The 125 Anniversary Award for Outstanding Contribution is given for ambitious and progressive work that is shaping a legacy of driving change and shaping society and is pushing boundaries to address global challenges.
Winner: Professor KK Cheng, Professor of Public Health and Primary Care, College of Medicine and Health
Professor Cheng has made a substantial contribution to primary care and academic general practice in China, and an outstanding contribution to epidemiology, primary care and public health. He has led the development of public health research programmes in smoking and obesity in the UK and an internationally important multidisciplinary centre on bladder cancer research.
The Florence Price Award recognises the work of a researcher whose work has international significance and breaks new boundaries, placing their research at the global forefront of their discipline.
Winner: Dr Mingchao Liu, Assistant Professor, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Dr Liu is a leading researcher in robotic metamaterials – intelligent structures inspired by living organisms. His bio-inspired work drives advances in healthcare, aerospace, and soft robotics, helping position Birmingham as a global leader in this fast-growing field. He has built a distinct research identity, positioned Birmingham at the forefront of adaptive materials, and shaped the future of mechanical intelligence.
The Joseph Chamberlain Award for Educational Advancement celebrates the work of an outstanding academic whose contribution to the education of the University’s undergraduate or postgraduate students has had a major impact on student outcomes and experience.
Winner: Dr Sabena Jameel, Associate Clinical Professor, College of Medicine and Health
Dr Jameel is a practising GP and a clinical academic whose groundbreaking scholarship on Practical Wisdom in Medicine has shaped a pioneering Professionalism curriculum, integrating character education, reflective practice, and the moral dimensions of clinical care. She has also championed the Medical Humanities as a vital route to fostering wisdom in medicine.
The Josiah Mason Award for Academic Advancement recognises activity that has significantly advanced understanding within a specific academic area and has had national or international reach.
Winner: Professor Andrew Beggs, Professor of Surgery and Cancer Genetics, College of Medicine and Health
Professor Beggs’ work is driving innovation in cancer diagnostics and treatment. Working in partnership with charities, industry, and the NHS, Andrew is improving outcomes for cancer patients today and shaping the future of personalised medicine. He made a significant impact through his key role in COVID-19 diagnostics at the height of the pandemic and continues to advise government and healthcare leaders on rapid testing technologies.
The Rose Sidgwick Award for External Engagement and Impact is given for academic activity that has created meaningful change at a civic, national or international level by delivering economic, social, environmental or cultural societal benefits.
Winner: Dr Edward Day MBE, Reader, College of Life and Environmental Sciences
Dr Day is internationally recognised for his legacy in advancing addiction recovery policy. As the UK’s National Recovery Champion, he shaped the national drug strategy and founded the College of Lived Experience Recovery Organisations. He continues to influence global policy through advisory roles with UNODC and the WHO. He launched the UK’s first Collegiate Recovery Programme, Better Than Well, offering support to higher education students in recovery.
The Founders’ Awards recognise the very best of academic achievement across the University and are a tribute to the outstanding contributions of the academic community. Hosted by BBC Midlands Presenter and alumna, Kathryn Stanczyszyn, the awards were presented at the Chancellor’s Dinner on 3 July by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Tickell and Chancellor Sandie Okoro OBE.
To find out more about our winners and their work, please visit our Founders’ Awards page.
Clinical Reader
School of Psychology
Dr Ed Day is a Psychiatrist who combines clinical work in the NHS with research and teaching. He specializes in the treatment of drug and alcohol use disorders,
Professor of Public Health and Primary Care
School of Health Sciences
Staff Profile for KK Cheng, Professor of Public Health and Primary Care at the University of Birmingham.
Assistant Professor
Staff profile for Dr Mingchao Liu, University of Birmingham
Associate Clinical Professor in Medical Professionalism
School of Medical Sciences
Staff profile for Dr Sabena Yasmin Jameel, Birmingham Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham.
Professor of Cancer Genetics & Surgery
School of Medical Sciences
Staff profile for Andrew Beggs, Professor of Cancer Genetics & Surgery, Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham.
