Meet The Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024 Winner
We’re delighted to announce the winner of our Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024!
Our annual awards were launched in 2017 with the aim of recognising and celebrating the unsung heroes of life science! It’s a great way for researchers to say thank you to the lab mates who’ve had the biggest impact and positive influence on their colleagues each year.
We’re now in our 8th year of running the awards, and this year we were delighted to receive 154 nominations for 61 scientists from 26 different countries!
Each year our winning scientist is chosen by a panel of distinguished and award winning scientists, including Professor Elek Molnár of the School of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of Bristol, UK. Our judges consider many different factors when choosing the heroes who stand out to them the most. Each and every scientist nominated is a Lab Hero in their own right and deserves to be celebrated and congratulated for their hard work this year.
The stories of support, dedication and teamwork shared by the nominators are always heart-warming and this year’s entries were no exception. We always feel incredibly proud – and extremely lucky – to be part of such a supportive, appreciative community.
Once again, the standard of entries was extremely high this year, and choosing just one winner from so many inspiring nominations was a difficult task! This year the judges have also selected 10 runners-up to be named ‘Lab Stars’ alongside our outright ‘Lab Hero’ for 2024.
And so, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… it’s time to announce this year’s winner…
Winner of the Lab Heroes Awards 2024
Jacky Liang of the School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Canada
Our Lab Hero for 2024 is Jacky Liang of the University of Ottawa, Canada! Our judging panel made a unanimous decision to choose Jacky as our deserving champion after receiving more than 20 nominations from his colleagues at the School of Psychology.
Jacky is a lab manager whose impact on his lab has been hugely appreciated by his lab mates over the last year. Described as ‘the backbone of the team’ who is ‘extremely kind, helpful, and selfless’ Jacky has clearly been instrumental in the lab’s success this year. His mentorship of both graduate and undergraduate students in the Behavioural Neuroscience Group is described as ‘invaluable’ and he is praised for ‘fostering an environment of growth and learning, empowering team members to reach their full potential’.
His colleague Katie Sinclair, an undergraduate research assistant, said: “Stepping into a research lab can sometimes feel daunting or intimidating. Jacky has ensured that I feel supported, safe, and encouraged throughout my journey with the Neuroscience Memory Lab. He is unbelievably intelligent and generous, and is always ready to lend a hand to any student that may require support. He shows precision, tenacity, and expertise in what he does, while consistently demonstrating kindness when facing challenges. This greatly inspires me as an undergrad. Jacky is incredibly humble, but I’m confident my colleagues would firmly agree that he is the driving force behind the exceptional quality of work produced in our labs!”
Another colleague, Hamed Neveu Karimpour, said: “Jacky is an indispensable part of our lab. He keeps everything organized, maintains the equipment, and always steps in to help solve problems. He’s always willing to lend a hand, whether it’s training new people or helping with experiments. His hard work and positive attitude make the lab a better place to work, and he’s always there when we need him. Jacky’s contributions have made a big difference, and he truly deserves this recognition.”
We asked each of his colleagues to describe Jacky in just three words, and these are just a few of the words they gave us: Resourceful, Supportive, Knowledgeable, Dedicated, Patient, Attentive, Creative, Funny, Kind, Helpful, Skilled, Caring, Dependable, Reliable, Decisive, Engaged, Inspiring, Irreplaceable… and many more!
When we broke the good news to Jacky, this is what he told us:
I’m honored to have been chosen as the winner of the Hello Bio Lab Heroes Awards 2024, and I’m grateful to my colleagues and students for the nomination. The lab I’m working in is fantastic, and I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such amazing scientists. It’s a privilege to be part of such a supportive and collaborative team. Jacky Liang, University of Ottawa, Canada - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Winner
Jacky will receive $3000 Hello Bio vouchers, plus a $1000 science career development grant. Congratulations!
Read all of Jacky’s nominations here
10 Highly Commended Runners-up chosen as ‘Lab Stars’
Ramanuj Banerjee
The scientist with the highest number of nominations this year was Ramanuj Banerjee of the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. Colleagues described him as ‘a truly outstanding scientist’ whose ‘discipline and unwavering dedication to science sets an inspiring example for everyone around him’. The judges were impressed by his dedication to mentoring and his passion for problem-solving. Read all of Ramanuj’s nominations here.
This recognition fuels my passion for scientific innovation, and I am excited to contribute further to our community. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my lab members. Their continuous support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. I am really proud to be part of such an incredible team. Ramanuj Banerjee, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Cayvenne Joseph 'CJ' Carag
Described by colleagues as ‘fearless, hilarious, and unstoppable’, CJ Carag of the Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece, was also chosen by our judges as a highly commended runner-up. Her lab mates praised her ‘infectious energy’ as well as her creativity and positive attitude. Lab leader Era Taoufik said that despite being the newest member of the team, CJ had quickly become ‘a cornerstone of our lab’ who can ‘turn a rainy day into something beautiful and hopeful’. Read CJ’s nominations here.
I’m thrilled to be recognized in the Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024. This commendation inspires me to keep pushing boundaries, to continue being the person I’m flourishing into being and to continue contributing to science alongside the many brilliant minds in this field. Thank you, Hello Bio, for this amazing honor! CJ Carag, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Greece - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Rosanna Parlato
Our next runner-up is Rosanna Parlato of Molecular Neurodegeneration at the UMM Mannheim, Germany, who was described by colleagues as ‘a strong and fair leader’ whose ‘love for science is contagious’. The judging panel were impressed by her ‘unwavering determination’ and the way that ‘she turns every challenge into an opportunity to grow and thrive’. Read Rosanna’s nominations here.
I feel very honored and also touched by all the nice words I have read about me for the nomination. I was hoping for (but not expecting) the commendation though! It has been an amazing surprise for me! I am very happy about the whole experience and today came to work with a deep sense of joy. Rosanna Parlato, UMM Mannheim, Germany - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Rachel Perry
Our fourth Lab Star received a glowing nomination from her colleague Yanitza Rodriguez at the Cellular and Molecular Physiology Lab at Yale University, USA. Rachel Perry was described as ‘an extraordinary mentor and an unwavering pillar of support’. She was also praised for her impact on lab culture, promotion of diversity and inclusion, and for actively supporting students from underrepresented groups. You can read Rachel’s full nomination here.
This recognition means so much to me because I was nominated by members of my lab. Having the opportunity to lead the team of amazing junior scientists who've chosen to work with me is the greatest professional pleasure of my life, receiving this honor feels wonderful in that members of my team feel buoyed by my mentorship and the lab environment that we all work together to create. Rachel Perry, Yale University, USA - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Renesa Tarannum
Another great nominee chosen by our judges is Renesa Tarannum of the Farris Lab at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, USA. Renesa was nominated by two lab colleagues for being ‘a vibrant and helpful presence’ in the lab with an ‘encouraging spirit’. Lucy Turner thanked her for being an ‘amazing teacher’ who ‘creates a happy and uplifting atmosphere… and brings a smile to everyone’s face’. Read Renesa’s nominations here.
Juliana Naldoni
Described as ‘the most humble and likable of individuals’, Juliana Naldoni of the University of Cambridge is a lab technician who has had a big impact on the Merrick Lab. Lab Leader Catherine Merrick nominated Juliana for her scholarly attitude, dedication, generosity and devotion to public outreach. She was also praised for taking up the challenge of reducing the lab’s environmental impact, and became a ‘leading light’ on the department’s LEAF committee. Read Juliana’s full nomination here.
I am truly honored to have been awarded the ‘Highly Commended’ recognition in the Hello Bio Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to Catherine Merrick for nominating me as a lab hero in her lab and for her kind words describing my work performance. It has been a privilege to collaborate with such a renowned professor and researcher in the field of malaria. Juliana Naldoni, University of Cambridge, UK - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Molly Kent
Our judges were also impressed by the nomination received for Molly Kent of the Biology Department at the Virginia Military Institute, USA. Former colleague Kitty Hartvigsen took the opportunity to celebrate the impact Molly had in her previous postdoc role, describing how ‘her influence in our lab and her commitment to student learning and research still permeates every aspect of our lab today.’ Her unparalleled dedication saw her go above and beyond to attend outreach events and science competitions, while her ‘enthusiasm and warm demeanor’ inspires the next generation of leaders and scholars. Read Molly’s full nomination here.
I was honored to be nominated by Dr. Hartvigsen for my work with the Lambert lab. I love working with undergraduate students to help them along their journey into science. To be recognized for my contributions is truly appreciated. Molly Kent, Virginia Military Institute, USA - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Rocio Gutierrez Fuster
Nominated by her lab leader, Rocio Gutierrez Fuster of the Universidad de San Martín, Argentina, is described as a ‘vital member of the team’ who ‘approaches each research challenge with a sense of purpose and dedication that inspires her peers’. Camila Scorticati describes Rocio’s impact on both the lab and the wider research community as being ‘truly exceptional’, and highlighted how she has persevered through budget cuts and funding shortages by adapting her approach and finding innovative ways to advance her research despite the limitations. Read Rocio’s full nomination here.
I am truly grateful to have been awarded "Highly Commended" in the Hello Bio Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024. I am thankful to the Hello Bio team for acknowledging scientists in such a remarkable way. Rocio Gutierrez Fuster, Universidad de San Martín, Argentina - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Christopher Lee
Described by his colleague as ‘essential to the lab’s success’, Christopher Lee of the Tye Lab, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA, was praised by our judges for his dedication to mentorship and teaching. Lab manager Romy Wichmann thanked him for his support in maintaining lab resources and for fostering a ‘collaborative and positive lab culture’. You can read Christopher’s full nomination here.
It is truly an honor to be awarded Highly Commended, and I am privileged to be part of this community. It is incredibly motivating to be recognized in this way! Christopher Lee, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Aalok Varma
And the final highly commended runner-up is Aalok Varma of the Looger Lab at UC San Diego, USA! Aalok received a truly wonderful nomination from labmate Shivangi Verma who describes him as ‘a constant source of inspiration’ whose ‘passion for research extends far beyond the confines of the lab bench’. The judging panel were particularly impressed by his advocacy for inclusion, fairness, and gender equity in STEM. Read Aalok’s full nomination here.
I really appreciate my being commended in the Lab Heroes awards series. Thanks for organising such an initiative. I am really grateful for the acknowledgement of my contributions to mentorship. Aalok Varma, UC San Diego, USA - Lab Heroes Awards 2024 Highly Commended Runner-Up
Congratulations to all 10 highly commended runners-up who will receive a certificate and Hello Bio goodie bag!
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Stay tuned for interviews with our winner and runners-up, coming to the blog soon!
View all our wonderful nominations for the Lab Heroes Awards™ 2024 here
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