Wrexham University Lecturers shortlisted for prestigious STEM Awards

Two esteemed university Lecturers have been shortlisted in the 2023 Wales STEM Awards.

Amy Rattenbury, Programme Leader for Forensic Science and Forensic Anthropology & Bioarchaeology, and Richard Hebblewhite, Programme Leader for Game Development, Game Design & Enterprise and Game Art, at Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University, have been recognised for the positive impact they are making to the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) agenda in Wales.

Games Talent Wales – a national talent development programme – which was founded at Wrexham University, has also been shortlisted in one of the categories.

Amy has been shortlisted in the STEM Woman of the Year category, which recognises inspirational women and their work as ambassadors within the STEM industry to shine a light on the sector.

This is the second time that Amy has been nominated in this category.

Speaking on being shortlisted, Amy said: “I feel incredibly honoured to have been shortlisted in the STEM Woman of the Year category for the second time, alongside so many inspirational colleagues from across Wales.

“This recognition not only reaffirms the significance of my contribution to supporting and progressing the education of women and girls in an area where they have been historically underrepresented, but also highlights the power of perseverance and passion in pursuing your dreams.

“This nomination is a tremendous motivation for me to continue making a positive impact, breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes, and I hope that I inspire others to fearlessly pursue their interests in STEM.

“I believe that, when given the opportunity, women elevate the entire field of STEM and I am proud of the work we are doing here at Wrexham to ensure that every woman’s potential is nurtured and celebrated.”

Richard has been shortlisted in the STEM Ambassador of the Year category, which recognises an individual who is a role model to others, who encourages participation, diversity and inclusion in STEM, and who goes above and beyond to further the STEM agenda in Wales.

Richard, who was instrumental in launching Games Talent Wales, said: “I am delighted to have not only been shortlisted as an individual but also that Games Talent Wales has been recognised in this way.

“In my role, I spin a lot of plates – for example through Games Talent Wales, as well as my role as Global Game Jam Global Regional Organiser and my involvement in the institution’s new Cyber Innovation Academy, which is due to open later this year.

“All of that on top of my role as a Lecturer but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Games Talent Wales, which specialises in the creation, support and enhancement of small independent game studios by providing mentoring, finance and support, in the lead-up to studios launching their games, was shortlisted in the STEM Educational Programme of the Year (Public Sector) category.

The awards, which are in their third year, will once again celebrate those leading the sector in Wales, including those creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage, and those inspiring and raising aspirations of the next generation.

All finalists from across the 13 award categories will now be considered by an industry-leading panel of judges, with the winners being announced at the awards ceremony at the Mercure Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on 13 October.