A photograph of the lecture theatre at UCL East full of staff and students

On 13 June 2025, UCL Medical Physics & Biomedical Engineering (MPBE) hosted the inaugural Festival of Research at UCL East —a day dedicated to celebrating cutting‑edge research, industry collaboration, student achievement, and research excellence.

The afternoon featured keynote talks, PhD poster showcases, the first-ever John Clifton Fellowship Lecture, and an awards ceremony recognising outstanding student and staff contributions.

Sessions included academia–industry collaborations and next‑generation diagnostic and therapeutic interventions and the event concluded with a thought-provoking conversation between Professors Dave Delpy and Dave Hawkes, followed by a relaxed social event.

It was great to see the department come together and mingle with colleagues, both new and old. The day was filled with excitement about new diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, existing and emergent industry partnerships, and the excellent research conducted by our PhD students. I would like to thank all speakers, session chairs, poster presenters and others who have contributed to the festival.

A profile picture of Dr Charlotte Hagen

Dr Charlotte Hagen, MPBE Research Committee Chair

Highlights from the afternoon:

A photo of Dr Charlotte Hagen presenting at the front of a lecture theatre of staff and students
Session 1: Research on the academia-industry interface

Dr Tracy Underwood, Dr Charlotte Hagen, Dr Phil Murphy, and Dr Agostino Stilli shared successful models of collaboration between academia and industry; covering funding routes, IP development and real‑world impact.

A PhD student presenting his research on a poster at the Festival of Research
PhD Poster Showcase

Our PhD students, from all levels, presented their research projects, while competing for the Festival of Research Poster Prize. The atmosphere was buzzing with lively conversations over coffee and cake (Poster Prize Winners below).

Prof Paul Beard presenting his research at the Festival of Research
Session 2: Next‑generation diagnostics and Therapeutic approaches

Prof Jem Hebden, Prof Maria Hawkins and Prof Paul Beard highlighted emerging diagnostic and therapeutic innovations. This session also hosted the inaugural John Clifton Fellowship Lecture, delivered by the first Postdoctoral Fellow, Dr Frederic Lange, appointed through the Fellowship.

Award Ceremony

The Festival paused to celebrate outstanding achievements among our community:

  • The 2025 John Clifton Fellowship: Dr Elizabeth Powell.
  • Festival of Research Poster Prize: 
    Winner: Edvards Rutkovskis - Selective Vagus Nerve Stimulation for Treatment of Intractable Diseases
    Runner up: Aure Enkaoua  - The Google Maps for Pituitary Surgeons
  • Gowerlabs Prize for Student Extracurricular Contribution: Lei Lei
  • UCL Creating Impact Through Knowledge Exchange Awards 2025
    Winner: Prof Quentin Pankhurst – Commercialisation Achievement of the Year
    Commendation: Prof Dean Barratt - Provost's Spirit of Innovation Award
     
A panel of three academics sitting at the front of a lecture theatre, one is holding a microphone
In Conversation: Professor Dave Delpy & Professor Dave Hawkes

Capping off the first MPBE Festival of Research was a very special session featuring Prof David Delpy and Prof David Hawkes who gave an insightful closing to the day. They reflected on trends, challenges, and the evolving landscape of MPBE research.

two speakers sit at the front of the room

The Festival was also complemented by two successful ‘fringe’ events designed to support industry engagement and PDRA career development:

Industry Careers Perspectives for PhD Students and Postdocs

This session offered invaluable insights from three professionals, (and MPBE Alumni), who have successfully transitioned from academia to industry. Attendees heard first-hand about career pathways, challenges, and opportunities beyond the university sector.

  • Dr Marina Bakaric (Guy’s and St Thomas’)
  • Dr Edward James (SPARTA Biodiscovery)
  • Dr Callum Macdonald (SPARTA Biodiscovery) 
     
Industrial Round Table with Industry Leaders

This invitation-only event brought together senior figures from a range of small and large companies, including in medtech, digital health, diagnostics and pharma sectors. The interactive round table explored future directions for medical physics and biomedical engineering innovation in the department. The discussion focused on how academia and industry can work together to accelerate impact.

Staff directing guests to the Festival of Research

What made this festival special was its combination of academic excellence, industry relevance, and student celebration, featuring presentations from established researchers, recognition of early-career talent, and lively engagement within our community.

Congratulations to all speakers, organisers, volunteers, and award recipients—you helped make our first Festival of Research a resounding success!

View more pictures from the festival on our Flickr page >>>

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