Record number of professors promoted in department

“It reflects the outstanding achievements and standing of our colleagues and their fantastic contributions to research and teaching in our department.”

Head of department Professor Clemens Kaminski is understandably delighted that a record six academic staff members have been promoted in this year’s ACP (Academic Career Pathways) Scheme.

It was confirmed in the Cambridge University Reporter this month that the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology’s Dr Ljiljana Fruk, Professor Andy Sederman and Professor Sam Stranks have all been promoted to Professor, Grade 12, the highest possible rank of professorship. Lorenzo Di Michele has been promoted to Professor, Grade 11, while Zach Bond has been promoted to Senior Teaching Associate.

Joanna Stasiak, meanwhile, has been promoted to Associate Teaching Professor as well as being asked to step up to the Director of Teaching in CEB.

Clemens said: “We are ending Easter Term on a high note with a record number of promotions in CEB. Congratulations to Ljiljana, Andy, Sam, Lorenzo, Joanna, and Zach on their successes this year.

“Their achievements reflect the outstanding qualities of our community and make me proud to be a member of CEB.”

He added that the ACP process is a highly competitive exercise and that achieving six promotions in one-go demonstrates the high level of both teaching and research on offer in the department.
Ljilana agrees, speaking with respect and admiration of the success of her peers.

“It says a lot about the really strong position we are in as a department,” she said. “It’s such an important step in your career as it is based on the work you are doing, and so it is recognises that you are contributing positively to the university and department.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to find out you have been successful, and to know that so many of my colleagues have been as well is really great.”
She said that the process is a lengthy one, having completed applications in October, but the delay adds to the feeling of it being ‘very special’ when it happens.

Sam added: ‘It was a real honour and thrill to receive this news – and really a testament to the hard work of our whole group over multiple years.
“I am so grateful to work with exceptional people in my group, across the department, wider Cambridge landscape, and many international collaborators – I am constantly inspired by these great people. A celebration of our collective success, and to much more to come!”

Joanna also noted that the entire experience of the ACP Scheme has left her ‘incredibly motivated, invigorated and fulfilled’, with the genuine joy of her colleagues adding to a sense of positivity.

She said: “I would like to thank everyone for the congratulations I received. The entire experience has prompted me to reflect on my future goals and how I want my career to develop. Stepping into the role of Director of Teaching in the department is an exciting new chapter in my career. I am eager to fully embrace this responsibility, transforming challenges into opportunities and turning outcomes into achievements.”

And Lorenzo added that the department’s support had been invaluable to him throughout his time with CEB, helping to guide him to promotion.

“In terms of resources, space, mentoring and generally by making myself and my group feel at home since day one, the department has been extremely supportive”, he said.

“I look forward to supporting my colleagues in years to come and doing some more exciting research with my group.”