The award was presented at the 2025 UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS) on 9 July 2025 by Sara Davies MBE, founder of Craft Companion and T Levels ambassador. 

The Papin Prizes are national awards that recognise the vital skills, talent, and contributions of technicians working across higher education and research institutions throughout the UK and Ireland.

Gillian received the accolade for her outstanding work in embedding the Technician Commitment at Queen’s, a university-wide and research institution initiative aimed at strengthening the visibility, recognition, career development, and sustainability of technical roles across all disciplines in academia.

She has also played a pivotal role in the development of Queen’s Technician Apprenticeship Programme, delivered in partnership with Belfast Metropolitan College and the Department for the Economy. This pioneering initiative has opened up vital new pathways for nurturing and advancing technical talent across the region. 

Gillian's leadership has also been instrumental in shaping and advancing the All-Ireland Technical Staff Network. This network has become a valued platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and recognition among technical professionals across Ireland and beyond, with Queen’s recently hosting the inaugural All-Ireland Technical Staff Network Conference on 10 June.  

Reflecting on the award, Gillian said:  

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive the Papin Medal. It’s a reflection of the amazing technical community we have here at Queen's and across the UK and Ireland. I’m proud to play a part in helping raise the visibility and recognition of the essential work technicians do every day.” 

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, praised Gillian’s achievement:  

“This prestigious award reflects Gillian’s exceptional dedication and leadership in enhancing the profile and recognition of technical professionals at Queen’s and across the region. Her work has made a lasting impact on the technical community, creating opportunities and greater visibility for all.” 

Dr Kelly Vere MBE, Director of the UK Institute for Technical Skills & Strategy and Technician Commitment, added: 

"Gillian has been awarded the Papin Medal in recognition of her exceptional leadership and commitment to raising visibility, recognition and opportunity for technical professionals across Northern Ireland and Ireland. She has tirelessly embedded the Technician Commitment values within Queen's University Belfast, which has generated significant and positive changes for the technical community.

Further still, her work to develop a new Technician Apprenticeship Programme and work to champion and develop the All-Ireland Technical Staff Network has been particularly impactful."