John Fosbraey is the Royal Society of Chemistry Higher Education Technician of the Year Award winner for 2016.
John works in Chemistry following a stint earlier in his career as a researcher for Shell, in Holland.
At Southampton he is responsible for the purchasing of chemicals and equipment in level 4 Chemistry for year one and year two of students’ studies.
The Higher Education Technician of the Year Award is for individuals demonstrating exceptional competence and technical support within the Higher Education sector. John receives £2,000, a medal and a certificate.
An illustrious list of 47 previous winners of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Awards have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their pioneering work, including Harry Kroto, Fred Sanger and Linus Pauling.
On receiving his award, John said:
“I must be honest, I thought it was an elaborate hoax asking for my bank details. People like me don’t get awards so that is why I didn’t believe it.
“I am at a stage in my life where money isn’t my prime objective. At Shell Research it was very competitive and going through the job groups to earn more money was paramount. Now I consider myself very fortunate to be working alongside such fine youngsters. It is hard work but immensely enjoyable.
“Second, I see my role in the lab as passing on my 50 years’ practical experience to academically gifted students. I feel immense pride at the graduation ceremony when a student I have known from year one becomes a doctor.”