Dr Geertje van Keulen (centre) with awards host Lucy Owen and chair of judges Martin McHugh.
An academic honoured for bringing together research, innovation and communities in science, technology engineering and maths has pledged to strengthen those connections and create new opportunities for future impact.
Dr Geertje van Keulen was presented with a prestigious special recognition award at this year’s Wales STEM Awards to reward her long-standing contribution to STEM research, innovation, public engagement, and the promotion of inclusivity in STEM.
Dr Van Keulen is Associate Professor in microbial biochemistry at Swansea University’s Institute of Life Science, where she leads interdisciplinary research and innovation spanning microbiology, biomaterials, antimicrobial resistance, and sustainable innovation. She is also involved in public engagement, including leading a Science Tent in a non-university town and Soapbox Science Swansea, supporting STEM outreach, and helping to raise the profile of women working in science.
She said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to have received this award and while it recognises past achievements, I see it as a platform for future impact.
“My ambition is to strengthen connections between researchers, industry, regulators, policymakers and communities; help shape the British and European generation of biofilm standards and regulatory approaches; support the microbiology community through leadership and governance; and build new opportunities for people of all backgrounds to engage with STEM.
“Over the years, my work has focused on bringing together disciplines to tackle real-world challenges, spanning microbiology, biochemistry, biomaterials, sustainable innovation, and biofilms standards development. Thank you to everyone who has supported, challenged, and inspired me along the way.
“Working with and championing so many talented colleagues, students, collaborators and partners has been one of the greatest privileges of my career.”
Every year the Wales STEM Awards celebrate the outstanding people, organisations and initiatives driving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics forward across Wales - from businesses developing new technologies and organisations tackling skills shortages, to inspirational educators, community projects and individuals championing greater inclusion.
Dr Van Keulen added: “Wales has a fabulous STEM community, and it is a privilege to be part of it. The most exciting advances happen when different people, disciplines and sectors come together to tackle shared challenges. I’d welcome anyone or organisations to reach out to discuss opportunities.”
Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, said: “The awards give us an opportunity to shine a light on the extraordinary work taking place across the country, and this year’s winners demonstrate just how diverse, ambitious and exciting Wales’ STEM community is.”