Four members of PDN, Busma Butt, Lorna Roberts, Theresa Gross-Thenbig and Benedicte Sanson, have been nominated for the University Research Culture Celebration event at Kettles Yard on 13th May, in recognition of their efforts in creating a positive, supportive and inclusive culture at the University of Cambridge.
The Research Culture Celebration event will be the culmination of a two-week Research Culture Festival at the University of Cambridge. There are a range of creative events, workshops and activities happening during this fortnight – find out more in the festival programme
Busma Butt, nominated by Clara Munger
Busma Butt is the Chief Laboratory Research Technician of the Loke Centre for Trophoblast Research (CTR), where she has been instrumental in building a positive and supportive research culture. Her contribution goes far beyond the day-to-day running of the lab. Busma has helped create an environment that is collaborative, well organised, and welcoming for everyone at the Loke CTR. We are particularly thankful to Busma for her efforts in building a safe and inclusive workplace. She has introduced clear emergency protocols and well-structured maintenance systems, giving staff and students the confidence to handle complex situations safely. These changes have reduced stress within the lab and allow researchers to focus more fully on their work, knowing that systems are in place to support them. Busma also demonstrates continued support of early career researchers, ensuring fair access to training and development opportunities. She created a clear and user-friendly lab induction guide, which has made onboarding more consistent and reduced reliance on informal knowledge sharing. She also led the writing and publication of a Mouse Embryonic Fibroblast culture protocol, providing a valuable resource that supports training both within and beyond the Loke CTR. Her collaborative approach extends across the wider department. Busma is widely recognised as a reliable and approachable source of advice on lab management, safety, and operational issues. She contributes actively to departmental discussions and works effectively with colleagues at all levels, helping to foster a culture of respect and shared responsibility. In addition, Busma has taken a lead on sustainability initiatives, including LEAF and Green Impact accreditations, and has driven cross-departmental efforts to introduce lab glove recycling. These initiatives not only improve environmental performance but also encourage collaboration around shared goals. Overall, Busma’s professionalism, initiative, and generosity in supporting others have made a lasting positive impact on both the Loke CTR and the wider department.
Lorna Roberts, nominated by Russell Wilson
I would like to nominate Lorna Roberts in recognition of the significant contribution she makes to the culture and wellbeing of colleagues within the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience. While Lorna’s role is not directly connected to research culture in the traditional sense, she plays an important part in shaping the day-to-day environment in which people work and learn, and this has a meaningful impact on how staff and students feel within the wider academic community. As Senior Chief Teaching Technician, Lorna leads a team and help support a larger technical team responsible for complex practical classes across Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and the Natural Sciences. Her work ensures that teaching spaces are safe, organised and ready for students, which helps create a steady and reliable learning environment. Although this sits outside research activity, these early experiences help students build confidence in laboratory practice and develop the habits and expectations that they will later carry into research settings. One of the most valuable aspects of Lorna’s contribution is her work as a mental health and wellbeing first aider and advocate. She provides calm, compassionate support to colleagues who may be struggling, offering a listening ear and helping people feel less alone during difficult moments. This work is not formally tied to research, but it has a real influence on the wellbeing of the departmental staff community. A culture of care and psychological safety cannot be separated from the wider health of a research environment, and Lorna supports this through her everyday actions. Lorna also fosters positive working relationships by collaborating openly with academic, administrative and technical colleagues. Her steady presence and thoughtful approach help others feel comfortable seeking advice or sharing concerns. She contributes to a culture where people feel respected, supported and able to do their best work. While her contribution may not directly shape research culture, it unquestionably strengthens the human environment that surrounds it. I am pleased to nominate Lorna for recognition through the Research Culture Celebration.
Benedicte Sanson, nominated by Andrew Murray
Professor Bénédicte Sanson has been an unwavering champion for postdoctoral researchers within the Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience (PDN). In a large and highly multidisciplinary environment, she consistently ensures that the needs, contributions, and voices of postdoctoral research associate scientists (postdocs) are recognised and valued. Her leadership, advocacy, and creativity have had a transformative impact on our departmental culture and on the lived experience of early‑career researchers. As co‑lead of the CultureLab project during the 2024/25 academic year, Professor Sanson played a central role in designing and delivering a series of participatory workshops aimed at strengthening soft and transferrable skills within the postdoc community. These workshops broke the mould of traditional professional development by drawing on creative practice—integrating theatre‑based methods, creative writing exercises, and reflective dialogue. Through these innovative approaches, postdocs were encouraged to explore key extra‑scientific dimensions of their roles, including leadership, collaboration, values, and creativity. This experiential format fostered shared reflection, co‑creation of knowledge, and a collective awareness that enriched both individual participants and the wider community. Feedback from attendees consistently highlighted the workshops as empowering, inclusive, and unlike anything previously offered. Professor Sanson also plays a tireless behind‑the‑scenes role in supporting postdocs’ career development. She is known for her steady stream of well‑curated information on training opportunities, funding calls, and job openings, which she shares proactively and accessibly. Many postdocs rely on her as a trusted source of guidance and signposting—support that has a real impact on their professional progression. Equally important is her advocacy. In departmental meetings and strategic discussions, Professor Sanson reliably speaks up to ensure that the perspectives of postdoctoral researchers—often a critical yet overlooked group—are heard. She does so with clarity, conviction, and compassion, helping shape policies and decisions that better reflect the needs of early‑career scientists. For her creativity, commitment, and sustained leadership in fostering an inclusive, supportive research culture, Professor Bénédicte Sanson is profoundly deserving of this Research Culture Award.