Dr Adrian Gradinar, PhD Creative Exchange, and Athalia Dangerfield, MA in Arts Management, were nominated by the LICA department for the Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences Outstanding Contribution to the Postgraduate Community prize. These were awarded in the Winter Graduation 2018 celebrations that took place on the 12th December.

Adrian first joined LICA as a PhD student on the AHRC funded project the Creative Exchange (CX) which he completed which a project titled Designing Interactive Objects and Spaces for the Digital Public Space. Professor Paul Coulton, Adrian's PhD Supervisor, highlighted some of Adrian's contributions and achievements.

"Adrian is always extremely hard working and highly dedicated, and this was particularly evident when he was managing the complexities of a PhD as part of CX. This PhD program was unusual in that the students were required to work on a number of short research projects both with industry partners and academics from other universities. They were expected to help develop projects, manage the relationships, creating artefacts, and present the results in publications and at international conferences. Adrian worked with a range of partners, including two projects with the BBC R&D, developing bespoke digital artefacts ranging from mobile applications to novel hybrid interactive physical/digital artefacts that have produced not only academic outputs but have also been featured in the press. The artefacts in particular are not only highly novel forms of interaction but they are also beautifully crafted which is why we were delighted he joined Imagination as an RA on Objects of Immersion in which he created bespoke artefacts for the demonstrator exhibited at FACT in Liverpool, the V&A in London, and at PlayUK for the British Council in Macedonia. Adrian is now working as RA on PETRAS creating a Living Room of the Future which will go on permanent exhibit at the Building Research Establishment in Watford and an event at the Tate in London.

Currently Adrian also stepped in to deliver a number of courses for Design within LICA and in the past has regularly assisted with many of the practical studio work. He is highly conscientious and always extremely well prepared and professional in his dealings with the students. Adrian often provides much needed technical research expertise and assistance to other Design Staff and students and is a great member of the community and thoroughly worthy of this award."

Athalia was the outstanding student on the MA Arts Management 2018/19. Frank Dawes, her Course Director, commented "her academic performance saw her gain a distinction not only for the MA but also in all of the modules studied. During the course, she played a pivotal role within the cohort encouraging other students and working closely with her class members on group based activities and assessments.

Whilst completing the Creative Industries placement module, Athalia demonstrated excellent leadership skills when surveying young families attending events at the Dukes theatre in Lancaster. Working with three other MA students, she coordinated their research and acted as the main contact between the Dukes and Lancaster University. The group received excellent feedback for this project and it has enabled the Dukes to incorporate these findings into their promotion and marketing plans.

She is intelligent, thoughtful and confident and has begun to develop her own business, which I believe will take her on a successful career path"

Congratulations to both Athalia and Adrian and to all of our LICA Postgraduate students who graduated this winter. We are all very proud of each and every one of you.