At the end of an exciting 2025, we were delighted to celebrate Dr Joanna Bonnici, Scientific Officer in the Kawamura Research Group, on being nominated for the NU Technician Contribution to Research Award. This nomination is a fantastic recognition of the significant impact that Joanna has across our chemical biology section at Newcastle University.
Joanna plays a central role in ensuring that our research environment operates at the highest possible standard. Her exceptional organisational skills, proactive leadership, and deep technical knowledge bring consistency, safety, and efficiency to every aspect of our laboratory work. From overseeing essential day‑to‑day lab operations and organising ice scraper amnesties, to contributing to our lab’s Gold LEAF certification and supporting the PhD students and Early Career Researchers in the MoSMed CDT, Joanna’s managerial skills help the entire team excel.
Being shortlisted for this university‑wide award shines a much‑deserved light on her contributions and highlights the crucial role that technical colleagues play in driving research forward!
A huge congratulations to Joanna, all nominees, and this year’s winners – the NU Technician Awards remind us how essential technical staff are to the success of every discipline across the university.