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A research student whose work is helping to safeguard minke whales off the coast of Scotland has been named both the SAMS Student of the Year and the Overall UHI Student of the Year 2025.

Tim Awbery, 33, from Taynuilt in Argyll, is a final-year PhD student at SAMS, a partner of UHI. His research focuses on the distribution of minke whales in Scottish waters and the potential impacts of human activities such as fishing and marine traffic.

His computer modelling work has provided key information for projects such as the Scottish Entanglement Alliance (SEA) which works with creel fishermen to reduce entanglements of whales and other marine animals in Scotland.

The Student of the Year award is the latest accolade for Tim, who has won a number of prizes over the past two years, including the Conference Theme Award at last year’s Society for Marine Mammalogy Conference in Perth, Australia, the world’s largest marine mammal research conference.

Tim, who was nominated by his supervisor Dr Denise Risch, is the first postgraduate student to receive the SAMS Student of the Year prize and now also takes home the Overall UHI Student of the Year title.

He said: “I am humbled to have won these awards because there are a lot of great students in my cohort and throughout the university.

“It means so much to me that I was nominated by my supervisors who are all brilliant scientists that I have held on a pedestal. It’s fantastic that they have faith in my abilities and in the work I’m doing.

“I’ve loved studying at SAMS. Everyone knows everyone, so there are great collaborations happening between different scientific disciplines. The location is perfect for me too, because it lends itself to people like me who prefer to be in the outdoors.”

Over and above his various accolades, Tim received glowing praise from SAMS staff for his contribution to the postgraduate student community and for his teaching ability on the BSc Marine Science degree course.

Dr Risch said: “Apart from his academic achievements, his contributions to the conservation of marine species and his exceptional dedication to his work and his own personal development, what makes Tim truly deserving of this award is his genuine, positive attitude which puts a smile on the face of everyone who has the pleasure to work with him on a daily basis.

“Tim has made a big impact on staff and students at SAMS and wider UHI as well as the MASTS community, but he has also engaged with and positively impacted multiple NGOs and the Scottish conservation community.”

A keen rugby player, Tim suffered serious leg injuries during a recent match and said the award was a welcome boost as he continues his recovery.

He added: “I have had great support from the SAMS community, and I am grateful to the NHS and Oban Lorne Rugby Club for supporting me.”

Vicki Nairn, UHI Principal and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Congratulations to Tim on this thoroughly deserved recognition. His research, commitment and contribution to conservation make him an inspiring ambassador for SAMS and the wider UHI partnership. Tim’s story reflects the talent, passion, and resilience of our student community, and I wish him every success for the future.”

Tim was selected as the UHI Overall Student of the Year by a judging panel from among all the individual Student of the Year winners across the UHI partnership:

UHI Argyll Joint Student of the Year: Alyssa McGarrie and Stephanie Kemp

UHI Centre for Rural Health Sciences Student of the Year: Jennifer England

UHI Directly Enrolled Student of the Year: Taron Hansen

Highland Theological College Student of the Year: Ruth Smart

UHI Inverness Student of the Year: Ashti Ali

UHI North, West and Hebrides Student of the Year: Adam Hutchison

UHI Moray Student of the Year: To be announced soon

UHI Orkney Student of the Year: Alicen Geddes

UHI Perth Student of the Year: Kayleigh Hunter

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Student of the Year: To be announced soon

UHI Shetland Student of the Year: Naomi Robertson

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