School of Design technicians nominated for acclaimed Papin Prize
The Papin Prizes celebrating the invaluable contributions of technical staff in higher education and research
Two technicians from the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures are among 67 individuals and teams from across the UK shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Papin Prizes.
Celebrating the invaluable contributions of technical staff in higher education and research, the Papin Prizes were established in 2015 and are awarded biennially.
Ten awards will be presented at the UK Higher Education Technicians Summit (HETS), taking place on Wednesday 9 July 2025 at the Leonardo Conference Centre, Leicestershire – including two new categories for 2025: Apprentice and Sustainability.
Debbie Fowler and Faye Hindle in the Fashion Design and Innovation Technical Team, based in the School of Design, have been shortlisted in the Technical Team category for their outstanding support of student learning and creative practice. Debbie and Faye have worked closely together for nearly a decade and have been nominated by their colleagues for the sustained positive impact they have had on teaching and learning across the BA Fashion Design Innovation programme.
In particular, colleagues have praised Debbie and Faye for their professionalism, genuine care for students and staff, and dedication to their craft.
The nominators were Lee Mcluckie, Jeffery Thorpe, Dr Anja Connor-Crabb and Elaine Evans.
Jeffrey Thorpe, Principal Teaching Fellow in Fashion Design, said:
“Over the past eight years, Debbie and Faye have continuously delivered an excellent and meaningful contribution to the student experience. Working together in a tight knit team, they have fostered collaboration between academics and students, aligned technical support with teaching aims, and ensured that students successfully transform their creative ideas into 3D realisation.
“As an academic in fashion design, I rely on their unconditional support and dedication to their craft. The department could not run smoothly without their contribution to delivering a first-class experience.”
Elaine Evans, Senior Teaching Fellow, said:
“Debbie and Faye have helped to elevate the student experience in the fashion studio by making cases for, and overseeing, improvements to our facilities, with a suite of new computerised lockstitch machines, a new embroidery machine, new overlockers and presses. This has modernised the studio and we have seen a noticeable impact on the attainment of our students, particularly at entry level, as the new equipment can be programmed to suit less experienced practitioners, while the embroidery machine has noticeably enhanced outcomes of our finalists.”
Lee McLuckie, School of Design Business and Resource Manager, said:
“Debbie and Faye are the heartbeat of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design Innovation programme. For many years, they have worked tirelessly alongside academic staff to deliver exceptional technical support across all practical modules – contributing not just to the preparation and smooth running of sessions, but also playing a vital role in supporting students' creative journeys.
“Their contribution was particularly vital during the Covid period, when they helped the team adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. From broadcasting live demonstrations to enabling remote learning, to ensuring the studio was a safe and welcoming environment when students returned, Debbie and Faye demonstrated outstanding flexibility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills during one of the most challenging periods in recent memory.
“Debbie and Faye’s dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for our students make them invaluable members of our team and deeply deserving of recognition.”
Dr Anja Connor-Crabb, Lecturer in Fashion Design and Digital Fashion Innovation and Programme Leader for BA Fashion Design Innovation, said:
“Debbie and Faye’s work aligns highly with the institutional goals of the University of Leeds, and specifically with the School of Design’s culture and strategy and their mission to be a global leader in design, textile and fashion education. Students speak highly of Debbie and Faye, who have without a doubt contributed to the excellent learning experience FDI they receive and invaluable to creating industry ready graduates with technical competence and confidence in fashion.”
Alex Vann, the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures’ Technicians Manager, said:
“I’m incredibly proud to see Debbie and Faye nominated for a Papin Prize. Their creativity, expertise and dedication are exceptional – and this recognition highlights the depth of talent and technical excellence across our Faculty teams.”
The Papin Prizes are named after Denis Papin, a 17th century technician who worked with Robert Boyle. He invented the steam digester and was one of the first technicians to publish in his own name. His initial designs were further progressed and improved upon, leading to the development of the steam engine, a major contribution to the Industrial Revolution.
