Nominees:
- Dr Sarah Peters (University of Manchester)
- Professor Marie Johnston (University of Aberdeen
- Dr Caroline Limbert (Cardiff Metropolitan University)
Winner: Professor Marie Johnston (University of Aberdeen)
Nominated by Professor Diane Dixon, Professor Jo Hart Professor Molly Byrne and Dr Barbara Farquharson
“Whilst working with her, I was able to see how she navigated through differences of opinion whilst sticking to her principles, and as a result I still sometimes have a ‘little Marie on my shoulder’ who helps me see how best to approach a sticky situation, and how to work out what I and others need. When the little Marie on my shoulder can’t see the way forward, the real Marie can I am always impressed that 1. she never answers the question I have but reformulates the problem much more clearly and we answer that together…” (Professor Jo Hart)
“Finally, as a woman, Marie is an inspiration she is a role model herself of course but also a fierce advocate for other women and not afraid to be ‘difficult’, to advocate for women and to call out the unconscious bias facing women in science. She has certainly helped me reframe my view of situations, how I define ‘success’ and how I advocate for others (and myself). Everyone should have a Marie!” (Dr Barbara Farquharson)
“Marie is not a mentor to just passively lean on. Her support is demanding it is offered in a way that challenges you. As her mentee, you are always developing always becoming better at whatever is in your best interest to be better at. Uniquely, Marie’s mentoring is selfless and without ego”. (Professor Diane Dixon)
“A key way in which Marie influenced my personal growth was in giving me confidence in myself.” (Dr Rachael Powell)
“From this first time I met Marie, I was struck by how Marie took an interest in everyone she spoke to, encouraging us all to value Health Psychology and consider how we might contribute to this important discipline in the future…. I consider her to be my ‘guardian angel’ and I know I am one of many who think of her like this.” (Professor Molly Byrne)