WEISS Winter Workshop 2021

After another difficult year, many were looking forward to the chance to celebrate at an in-person winter workshop. Alas, Covid scuppered our plans yet again, and with the new omicron variant causing the cancellation of all in-person UCL events, the 2021 WEISS Winter Workshop was moved online for the second time.

After an introduction from Dan Stoyanov, our Centre Director, and the launch of our 2021 annual report, we were once again treated to a selection of WEISS teasers. Despite the last-minute change to an online format causing some technical difficulties, Centre members were thoroughly entertained as an array of researchers and professional services staff attempted to tell the audience about themselves, their passions and their research in just 2 minutes with 2 slides.

Following this was the presentation of the WEISS awards (winners listed below). These celebrated some of our members’ fantastic achievements, as well as some more unusual aspects such as ‘most likely to replace themselves with AI’ and the ‘you are on mute’ award. Congratulations to all of our winners!

Next, Erwin Alles presented a recorded talk about some of his work into optical ultrasound and his first on-human demonstration of this imaging modality. To finish the meeting, Jenny Bird and Rita Goncalves De Pinho from the Faculty of Engineering Sciences Policy Impact Unit joined us to discuss how they can help support policy engagement at WEISS.

While we were unable to celebrate as planned, a fantastic time was still had by all. Huge thanks to all of those that presented and gave teasers at the workshop. We hope you have a relaxing festive break!

WEISS Award Winners

Public Vote Awards

Best Teaser 2021 - Emmanouil Dimitrakakis
Helping Hand Award - Clare Woolley
Collaborator Award - Sophia Bano
Most Likely to Replace Themselves with AI - Dan (GAN) Stoyanov
Gaffer Tape Award - George Dwyer
You Are On Mute Award - Dimitris Psychogyios

Public Engagement Awards

Public Engagement: Emerging Practice Award - Ester Bonmati
Public Engagement: Collaboration Award - Richard Colchester
Public Engagement: Engaged Team Award - The STARs Team

Executive Selection Awards

WEISS Outstanding Impact - Rebecca Shipley
Trung Huynh and Rehman Ansari (joint winners)
WEISS Outstanding Contribution - Jamahl Holland
WEISS Early Career Researchers of the Year - Ester Bonmati & Brian Dromey
Directors’ Special Commendation - Sarina Hussain

Honorary WEISS Professional Services Team Member - Erwin Alles
Festive Photo Competition Winner - Jamie McClelland (see below)