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Dr Kimberley Bennett receives UKCGE certification for excellence in postgraduate research supervision
Dr Kimberley Bennett, Reader in Comparative Physiology at Abertay University, has been awarded Recognised Research Supervisor status by the UK Council for Graduate Education (UKCGE).
The national recognition celebrates excellence in doctoral supervision, acknowledging academics who show a sustained commitment to supporting postgraduate researchers throughout their academic and professional development and reflective practice.
Dr Bennett, who has worked in Abertay's Department of Built Environment and Life Sciences since 2015, has built a reputation for creating a rigorous, inclusive and supportive research environment. Her approach combines high academic expectations with tailored support, helping postgraduate researchers from a wide range of backgrounds develop as confident, independent researchers.
Her current research focusses on the impact of pollution on energy balance in humans and wildlife, including how contaminants can affect blubber function and gene expression in seals, and the role of pollution exposure in development and management of human metabolic conditions, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Throughout her supervisory career, Dr Bennett has supported master's and doctoral researchers at different stages of their academic journey, and in diverse fields, from ecology to cancer therapy, and including students who may not initially have considered research as a career path. Many have gone on to careers in academia, government and industry, while others have secured postdoctoral positions or roles with leading organisations.
Dr Bennett said:
I'm delighted to receive this recognition from the UK Council for Graduate Education. Supporting postgraduate researchers is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. Every student brings their own strengths, ambitions and experiences, and I enjoy helping them develop the confidence, skills and independence needed to succeed, whether their future lies in academia, industry or elsewhere. It's a privilege to be part of that journey and to see students grow into accomplished researchers and professionals. Being part of the UKCGE Scottish writing group helped me explore the role of supervisor with other researchers and really reflect on my own practice.
Alongside her own supervision, Dr Bennett has strengthened research culture across Abertay by delivering training through the University's Graduate School and helping more than 100 academic colleagues develop their skills in supporting postgraduate researchers.
Her work has also focused on enhancing the student experience through practical approaches to supervision and researcher development, encouraging students to reflect on their strengths, plan future career pathways and celebrate key milestones throughout their studies.
Professor Nia White, Vice-Principal (Research and Innovation), said:
This national recognition reflects Kimberley's dedication to supporting postgraduate researchers and fostering a positive research culture. She has had a significant impact not only on the students she supervises directly, but also on the wider development of research supervision across Abertay.
The UKCGE Recognised Research Supervisor programme promotes excellence in doctoral supervision across the UK higher education sector and recognises supervisors who demonstrate outstanding practice in supporting postgraduate researchers.
