Professor Alastair Owens shortlisted for national award recognising excellence in PhD supervision
Professor Alastair Owens, from Queen Mary’s School of Society and Environment, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year in the 2025 Times Higher Education Awards, recognising his exceptional support for PhD students and his collaborative work with cultural and community organisations.
The award recognises academics who go above and beyond in their support for doctoral students. Professor Owens has spent more than two decades at Queen Mary, where his supervision has been defined by collaboration with leading cultural institutions, heritage organisations and community groups.
Through these partnerships, his PhD students have worked with organisations including the Museum of London, the V&A, Museum of the Home, Spitalfields Music, Whitechapel Gallery, Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archive, Museum of London Archaeology and the Bank of England Archive. Their research has been shared with diverse audiences through exhibitions, public events, blogs, podcasts, films and walking tours.
Professor Owens said:
"I am thrilled to be recognised for my work supporting collaborative PhD projects with heritage, arts and community organisations across London. This nomination reflects the talent of my gifted PhD students and the many partners I’ve had the privilege to work with."
Many of his former students have gone on to distinguished careers in academia, heritage and the charity sector. Together, these collaborations have generated more than £1.3 million in research and public engagement funding, while also creating innovative new ways for communities to connect with history and heritage.
Professor Owens, a historical geographer and social and economic historian of modern Britain, was previously Head of the School of Geography (2018–2022) and Deputy Dean for Education in the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences (2014–2017). His own research explores topics including wealth and inheritance in 19th and 20th century Britain, the geographies of home and family, inclusive heritage in East London, and the impacts of COVID-19 on domestic life.
He added:
"Queen Mary fosters a research culture that is open, outward-looking and inclusive. It has been an inspiring place to supervise students and collaborate with cultural institutions and diverse communities, and I am proud to continue this tradition."
The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards will be announced on Wednesday 13 November 2025.