College News
In Memoriam: David Ian Marquand
25 Apr
Eleven research group leaders in departments across the Division have received awards for going above and beyond in nurturing and supporting their colleagues, by demonstrating inspirational leadership and enabling people to flourish in their careers.
Ian is described by his nominators as a great mentor who spends time understanding everyone and supporting their development with unique plans and targets giving advice that supports the growth of their technical and soft skills. He often will work at weekends on references and recommendations and responds very quickly to requests for feedback. One nomination reads: “he is the person by far most responsible for my career successes thus far.”
Ian works tirelessly to create a positive and inclusive work culture. He is exceptional at managing differences and conflicting viewpoints, especially in the context of collaborations with industry. The atmosphere he has established in the research group enables students to ask questions and feel valued, which counters imposter syndrome and “inspires innovation that would otherwise be inhibited”. He is very committed to the pastoral care of his researchers, often having meetings where personal issues are prioritised over work.
"I am extremely privileged to have some of the best students and researchers in my group. Making sure that they are well looked after, not only academically but also personally, is very important to me, and I am so pleased how much they value my support."
Professor Ian Griffiths excels not only in his excellent research and attentive pastoral care of his students but also in his dedication to Access and Outreach initiatives. His commitment shines through in his active involvement with Refugees and Asylum Seekers in and around Oxford. For instance, he has delivered a series of workshops for mathematically qualified and maths-literate refugees and asylum seekers. The workshop series aim to support refugees and asylum seekers to overcome personal and intellectual limbo by establishing contacts with Oxford mathematicians and other mathematician from refugee backgrounds. They also offer support in pursuing maths-based careers in the UK, including data sciences and statistics, different industry sectors, education and teaching.
The initiative first began as a pilot scheme of informal workshops delivered during lockdown last year in partnership with Oxford Charity, Asylum Welcome. The feedback received from these sessions was incredibly positive and the project is now expanding across the UK.
