Congratulations to Felix Driver, Professor of Human Geography, Department of Geography, for winning this year’s Royal Holloway Outstanding Doctoral Supervision Award.
Professor Felix Driver wins Outstanding Doctoral Supervision Award 2024
Professor Felix Driver, an historical geographer specialising in collections-based research and public engagement in the arts and humanities, was praised by the judges for his very high level of supervisory expertise from application to thesis submission and beyond, his capacity to source collaborative funding, his empathetic engagement with students, particularly during Covid-19, and his strong commitment to community building.
One judge commented that Felix “is able to adjust his behaviour and supervision method according to the student’s situation, which is a rare and truly remarkable quality for a supervisor”.
The high quality of his research and mentoring skills makes him a superb role model for both doctoral researchers and supervisors. He is a champion for collaborative working, whether with co-supervision, or external partnerships, and has supported the development and transition of his researchers through to post study careers.
Another judge commented: “His work on brokering placements for PhD students and in centring them to advance their careers is exemplary”.
He encourages his doctoral researchers to engage, to collaborate, give presentations and publish their work, and attends all their conference presentations. His commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion are commendable, as is his commitment to the mental health and wellbeing of his researchers, and the level of pastoral care provided.
Felix has been put forward as Royal Holloway’s entry for the annual Times Higher Education’s Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year Award.