Bristol teacher - an 'unsung hero of science'

University of Bristol school teacher fellow, Tim Harrison, has been awarded a Hauksbee Award from the Royal Society (RS) for his 'inspiring engagement work in helping to promote the chemical sciences across the UK'. The only chemist out of a group of 10 recipients, Harrison was presented with a bronze medal and £500 at a ceremony at Society's headquarters in London, in March. 

The Hauksbee Awards, named after Isaac Newton's laboratory assistant Francis Hauksbee, have been created as part of the Society's 350th anniversary celebrations in recognition of the 'unsung heroes of science'. The awards celebrate the contribution made by those individuals who support the discipline, such as laboratory technicians, teachers and teaching assistants working in schools, colleges, laboratories and research institutions. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Professor Caroline Robinson FRS, chair of the selection committee, said. 'These people are devoted to their fields and inspire all around them. The Hauksbee Awards are a way for us to take note of the excellent work being done by these individuals and thank them for their invaluable contribution to the sciences'. 

Harrison was formerly head of chemistry at Rednock School, Dursley, Gloucestershire and has a wealth of experience in science education and outreach activities. In his current role as Bristol ChemLabS Teacher Fellow, Harrison promotes chemistry to school and college students across the UK and abroad through workshops, summer schools, and organising conferences and laboratory workshops. He also works with postgraduates, helping them to write articles for school students and teachers, and with teachers and trainee teachers through the Bristol University's school of chemistry and its graduate school of education, and the science learning centres. 

Harrison told Education in Chemistry, 'I am both delighted and honoured to receive this award. The Hauksbee Award is a very important step in recognising the sometimes unseen work of those involved in nurturing and enthusing future chemists and other scientists. The awards are a big boost to the work that is being done, not just by the individuals but those who work with them'.