Two Queens’ Fellows awarded Pilkington Prizes

Winners of the 2025 Pilkington Prize
Credit: Lloyd Mann

The prize, established in 1994, in the name of Sir Alastair Pilkington, the first Chair of the Cambridge Foundation, who believed passionately that high quality teaching was crucial to Cambridge’s success, is awarded annually to a select few Cambridge University teaching staff. This year, Queens’ Fellows Dr Tore Butlin and Dr Mairi Kilkenny were both awarded this prestigious prize which aims to acknowledge excellence in teaching and to recognise the contribution each individual makes to a Department or Faculty.

Dr Tore Butlin – Department of Engineering/Queens’ College:

Tore has played a key role in reshaping the engineering course content and led the design of the new IA mechanics syllabus.

“I am delighted to receive this award – I love teaching, and am grateful to all my students who continually keep me on my toes, and to the Engineering Department for encouraging creativity in teaching.”

Dr Mairi Kilkenny – Department of Biochemistry/Queens’ College:

Mairi delivers innovative and creative teaching with the Department of Biochemistry often incorporating digital media to stimulate the interest of her students. She’s also a supervisor for several Colleges and Acting Undergraduate Admissions Tutor for Queens’ College.

“At Queens’ College, and in the School of Biological Sciences, I am fortunate to work alongside inspiring colleagues and mentors who are driving innovation in many areas of education, including technology-enabled learning and digital assessment. It has given me numerous opportunities to evolve my own approach to teaching, which I am very grateful for.”

Many congratulations to Dr Butlin and Dr Kilkenny, who now join the esteemed list of Queens’ Fellows who have previously received The Pilkington Prize.

Article adapted from The University of Cambridge – Pilkington Prizes awarded to teaching staff