Organised, caring, indispensable

"Atiyeh is truly the heart of the lab. She manages to balance her own rigorous research with an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of the whole group. Every day, Atiyeh quietly ensures everything runs smoothly: she keeps the shelves stocked, maintains seamless organisation, and steps in to solve problems long before anyone else notices them. It’s not an exaggeration to say that the lab couldn’t function without her care and attention. Atiyeh is more than just the logistics and organisation expert - she is the “lab mum”. She knows when someone’s feeling overwhelmed, and she’s always ready to offer practical advice or a moment of encouragement. Her support goes far beyond the technical; Atiyeh fosters a culture of kindness, patience, and perseverance, carefully ensuring new students feel welcome and that everyone’s voice is heard. She inspires by example, balancing her own impressive scientific progress with generosity and humour. Even in the most stressful moments, Atiyeh manages to make sure everyone feels included and motivated. She sets the standard for dedication and collegiality in science, reminding us all that research is not just about data and results, but about people. Atiyeh’s impact will last long after she moves on to her next challenge. Many of us have learned from her how to lead with empathy and how to build a supportive environment. She has shaped the lab’s culture with her kindness and skill, and we are lucky to have her as both a colleague and a friend."

Nominated by Maria Roznovcova, School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, United Kingdom