University of Bristol Engineering Lecturer awarded prestigious Churchill Fellows medal

A community of over 4,000 changemakers, Churchill Fellows work on the frontline of today's crucial issues, developing new solutions based on global research and personal expertise. Dr Dooley, was one of 122 people being honoured at an award ceremony, held in London on Tuesday 3 September.

A lecturer in Digital Health in the School of Engineering Mathematics and Technology, Dr Dooley's research studied the use of robotics in Digital Health and how to better engage young people in STEM education through interdisciplinary learning.

Reflecting on her Churchill Fellowship, she said: "Of all of my personal and academic accomplishments, I feel that the Churchill Fellowship has been the most rewarding; the fellowship provided me with the opportunity to challenge myself and explore my established area of research in a new way and context."

Jeremy Soames, Chair of the Churchill Fellowship, said: "We were delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Churchill Fellows at our 2024 Award Ceremony. The occasion marked the successful completion of 122 Fellows' international research and reports - forming an impressively substantial body of work.

"More importantly, it illustrates the significant impact being made in communities and sectors through the ideas, dedication, and energy that are hallmarks of every Churchill Fellow - many congratulations to all recipients.

"There is no doubt that the Churchill Fellowship owes its success to the remarkable work of Churchill Fellows."

Dr Dooley added: "It brought me out of the classroom and into the community where I could meet with individuals who are making real impacts and improvements to healthcare and engineering, and more specifically in the education and training context."

On Wednesday 18September, Dr Dooley will be co-hosting an event with University of Bristol Policy and The Wave, Bristol on Blue Health where she will share some of her experiences with colleagues and workshop further grant funding, collaborative research opportunities in adaptive technology and healthcare.

She said: "I would highly recommend that if you, or someone you know, have a passion for exploration and sharing big ideas, a Churchill Fellowship is the perfect opportunity; I encourage everyone to apply,".

From aged 18 into their 80s and from every corner of all four nations, Churchill Fellows have become community leaders and charity founders, embedded new services and campaigned for action in fields from climate change to education, technology to the arts.

Information about the Churchill Fellowship

A Churchill Fellowship is open to all UK adult citizens, to lead the change they want to see. The charity funds applicants to spend between four to eight weeks meeting experts in their field anywhere in the world, in person and/or online, building international networks that promote reciprocal knowledge exchange. It then helps Fellows to make a difference in their community or professional sector in the UK, based on insights inspired by these exchanges.

Applications to become a Churchill Fellow are open 4th September to 12th November 2024. Find out more here. Churchill Fellowships are open to all adult UK citizens, regardless of qualifications, background or age.

The Fellowship was set up in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill for the nation. The Churchill Fellowship is the operating name of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, registered charity number 313952.

If you are interested in talking to Erin about her award or attending the Blue Health event at The Wave, Bristol on the 18^th September, please contact Erin directly at [email protected].