The Bartlett’s Desart Ismaili nominated for national Papin Prize

Desart Ismaili, Outreach Manager for The Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment, has been shortlisted for the prestigious Papin Prize for Contribution to Outreach. This national recognition celebrates technical excellence in higher education and shines a spotlight on those making a transformative impact on access, equity, and social mobility.

Desart’s nomination recognizes his leadership and innovative approach in crafting and executing The Bartlett’s outreach strategy, establishing a clear vision to expand access to built environment disciplines and dismantle barriers for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

In the last academic year alone, The Bartlett engaged with over 1,500 Year 7-13 students through a wide-ranging national programme of activity including taster days, summer schools, school visits, virtual events, and mentoring programmes. Forecasts for this year indicate continued growth, with outreach expected to reach 2,400 students, a new record for the faculty.

A recent highlight of the faculty’s outreach work was The Bartlett’s Architecture Taster Day, which brought together 160 Year 11-12 students for a day of hands-on learning and inspiration. Designed to spark curiosity and raise aspirations, the day immersed participants in the world of architecture through interactive workshops, campus tours, and direct engagement with academic staff and current students. 

Sara Shafiei, Vice Dean of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at The Bartlett said: “Desart’s nomination for the Papin Prize reflects the transformative impact of his outreach and community engagement work. His strategic vision and deep commitment to equity have created tangible pathways into the built environment. Having witnessed his leadership first-hand through close collaboration with the EDI team, student ambassadors, and academic colleagues, his contribution deserves national recognition. Desart has not only widened access but redefined what inclusive, sustained outreach can look like. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and the collaborative spirit that defines his approach.”