Tony Davidge Shortlisted for National Papin Award for Outreach

Tony Davidge, Deputy Head of the Biological Research Unit at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, has been shortlisted for the Papin Prize in the Outreach category.

The Papin Prizes are dedicated to celebrating technical excellence in higher education and research. Tony’s nomination recognises his longstanding commitment to openness around the use of animals in cancer research, and the crucial role this openness plays in fostering understanding and trust.

For over a decade, Tony has provided hundreds of students, staff, healthcare professionals and members of the public with opportunities to explore and learn about in vivo research. In an annual collaboration with the Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology, Tony leads a unique project for Year 10 students that offers an in-depth introduction to the world of in vivo research. The programme includes talks from researchers, guided site visits, and hands-on activities culminating in students presenting their own research proposals in a “Dragon’s Den”-style pitch to a panel of experts. This provides students with a realistic view of what animal research involves, including the ethical considerations of all work.

Tony is also a core contributor to the Institute’s Careers Lab Work Experience Programme, offering Year 12 students practical, behind-the-scenes insights into pre-clinical research. His talks and lab tours for the CRUK Cambridge Centre’s Nursing and Allied Health Professionals Programme, as well as the ECMC Patient and Public Involvement group, have helped to bridge the gap between laboratory science and clinical care.

Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Director for The UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and Technician Commitment Programme Lead said: “Many congratulations to all individuals and teams who have been nominated and thank you to the colleagues who took their time to nominate to raise the profile and status of technicians within the sector.

“The Papin Prizes recognise and celebrate the very best technical staff across the UK. Because the submissions are invited from people who work with technical staff, they also increase recognition and visibility of technicians,”.

The 2025 Papin Prizes will be presented at the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit on Wednesday 9 July at the Leonardo Conference Centre in Leicestershire.