Andy Radford, Professor of Behavioural Ecology in the School of Biological Sciences, was presented with a Nature Award for Mentoring in Science 2025 at a special ceremony held in London yesterday [Tuesday 9 December].
Professor Radford received the award for mid-career achievement, recognising his support for the development of early career researchers.
Presented by the science journal Nature, the Awards focus on a different country or region each year. To mark 20 years of the Awards, this year has celebrated mentors in the UK who contribute significantly to guiding and shaping the careers of emerging researchers.
Since 2006, Professor Radford has supervised over 70 postgraduate students, mentored more than 25 postdocs, fellows and new staff members, and been Graduate School Deputy Director and Graduate Mentor.
In 2022, he won the University of Bristol’s ‘Outstanding Research Supervision Award’ and the ‘Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Education’ in recognition of exceptional contributions to the enhancement of student experience. He also won the Times Higher Education (THE) Award for ‘Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year’.
Professor Radford, reflecting on his mentoring style, said: “I think the key part of my approach is individually tailored support. To maximise the chance that everybody can shine in their own unique ways means committing time to getting to know each mentee as an individual.
“Flexible support, coupled with the fostering of a welcoming and nurturing environment, enhances the likelihood that people will innovate and push boundaries, develop new skills and experience, overcome setbacks and build resilience. That provides a great launchpad for the development of well-rounded, compassionate science leaders.”
Professor Radford also identified normalising rejections and celebrating successes, as well as encouraging fun, among core aspects of successful mentoring. His support extends to the numerous Editors of the journal Animal Behaviour, for which he has been Executive Editor for the last 4 years.
An accomplished researcher, Professor Radford has delivered ground-breaking behavioural ecology research on cooperation, conflict and vocal communication. That work is predominantly on wild birds and mammals in Africa and Australia, including being Principal Investigator of the Dwarf Mongoose Research Project (2011–2024).
He also co-runs a major research programme in global change biology with Professor Steve Simpson, initially investigating the impacts of man-made noise on wildlife (both terrestrial and marine), but increasingly testing mitigation measures and how we can use acoustics to enhance coral reef restoration.
Professor Radford commented: “Most of this research takes places at overseas field sites, so it is important to provide constant remote support to mentees who are often away for many months at a time. I also encourage them to engage fully with the local communities where they are based.”
In addition to the research, Professor Radford has delivered considerable public outreach during his career, contributing to various radio programmes, especially for BBC Radio 4, and was Series Advisor on the Netflix series ‘Secret World of Sound with David Attenbrough’.
He has also led many events with schoolchildren of all ages, all started by securing a BBSRC Public Engagement grant with Professor Simpson in 2005 for a primary school programme called ‘Bringing biodiversity to life’. “One of the most rewarding (if tiring!) activities,” Professor Radford said.
Professor Radford concluded: “Mentoring is the part of my job that consistently gives me the most joy.”
For more information visit the Nature Awards for Mentoring in Science.