Research Supervisor 2026 Shortlist
Dr Emmanouil Benetos
Dr Emmanouil Benetos is an outstanding postgraduate supervisor whose work combines academic rigour, innovation in doctoral training and a strong commitment to student development. He supports a diverse and high-performing cohort of researchers, whose achievements include international awards, prestigious fellowships and careers across leading organisations such as Google DeepMind and Sony. His structured and innovative approach, including peer-review sessions and collaborative training practices, has enhanced doctoral culture beyond his own group. Through his mentorship, students develop independence, confidence and globally competitive research profiles.
Dr Sharri Plonski
Dr Sharri Plonski has made a transformative contribution to doctoral education, reshaping postgraduate training to foster collaboration, interdisciplinary exchange and real-world engagement. As Director of doctoral studies, she has redesigned PhD programmes to emphasise community, creativity and critical engagement, while developing global partnerships such as the LISS-DTP collaboration with the MIT Political Economy Lab. Her students achieve outstanding success across academic, policy and creative outputs, reflecting her supportive, rigorous and forward-thinking approach to supervision.
Professor Mangala Patel
Professor Mangala Patel is a highly respected supervisor known for her exceptional academic leadership and commitment to student wellbeing. She has successfully supervised a large number of doctoral and clinical students to completion, supporting them to achieve high-quality research outputs and international recognition. Her impact extends across the Institute of Dentistry, where she has strengthened postgraduate support systems and contributed to improvements in student experience. Combining academic excellence with compassionate mentorship, Mangala creates an inclusive and supportive environment in which researchers can thrive.
Dr Moneeza K. Siddiqui
Dr Moneeza K. Siddiqui is an exceptional supervisor whose transformative approach to mentorship has had a profound impact on her students’ academic and personal development. Her guidance enables researchers to produce internationally significant work in genetic epidemiology and multi-omics, including publications in leading journals. She combines rigorous academic expectations with strong pastoral support, creating an environment in which ambitious research feels achievable. Through global collaborations and inclusive practices, Moneeza fosters both scientific excellence and equitable, community-focused research culture.
Professor Marina Resmini
Professor Marina Resmini is an internationally recognised leader in doctoral supervision, with an extensive track record of supporting postgraduate researchers to successful careers across academia, industry and education. Her approach emphasises independence, critical thinking and personalised career development, supported by innovative practices such as structured research sessions and tailored development plans. She has played a significant role in shaping research culture at Queen Mary, including coordinating major doctoral training networks and advancing discussions on equality in STEM. Her supervision equips researchers with the skills, confidence and visibility to succeed globally.
Professor Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay
Professor Sanghamitra Bandyopadhyay is an outstanding doctoral supervisor who combines academic excellence with a deeply inclusive and supportive approach. She has mentored a diverse cohort of international researchers, enabling them to achieve strong publication records, prestigious internships and impactful careers in academia and industry. Her students have gained recognition at leading conferences and developed innovative projects with real-world impact. Through her commitment to equitable support and professional development, she has built a thriving and globally connected research community.