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We’re proud to share the news that Professor Sebastian Bonilla, Tutorial Fellow in Materials Science, is among ten Oxford academics who have been recognised with awards for outstanding research supervision.
Ten supervisors from across the MPLS Division have been recognised with awards for their exceptional commitment to mentoring and supporting colleagues in the 2025/2026 academic year. Each recipient has demonstrated outstanding dedication to inspiring others and fostering an environment in which researchers can thrive and progress in their careers.
The awarding body wrote:
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Professor Sebastian Bonilla is an Associate Professor of Materials Science and a Tutorial Fellow at St Anne’s College, leading the Electronic and Interface Materials Laboratory in the Department of Materials.
Sebastian is described an exceptional research supervisor whose impact is repeatedly defined by his students as thoughtful structured thinking with genuine personal commitment. Central to his approach is encouraging independence: he “supports students taking early ownership of their projects, allowing them to define and steer their research,” enabling them to develop confidence and leadership early in their careers. As one researcher states, “when I was hesitant to apply for my fellowship, he encouraged me to apply and believe I could succeed even when I did not believe it myself.”
Sebastian pairs this trust with extensive, hands-on support. He shares “code, data-processing tools, scientific writing tips, and records video tutorials,” and is “available to meet 1:1 at short notice,” creating an environment where students can progress quickly. One nominator says he goes “consistently… beyond expectations in responsiveness and commitment,” highlighting the reliability that underpins his supervision. Crucially, he goes above and beyond expectations: he “spent a weekend diagnosing a major instrument issue to avoid disruption” and took “time out of his holiday to give detailed feedback” so a student could submit their thesis on time. His dedication extends to career development, facilitating an internship that “led directly to employment,” where the graduate went on to develop “world-record efficiency solar cells,” and supporting others to organise international conferences and take on leadership roles.
Equally significant is his commitment to an inclusive, supportive culture. His group handbook explicitly prioritises “mental health, discouraging overwork, and supporting flexible working,” and he actively fosters a “non-judgmental environment with clear, constructive feedback.” He also demonstrates exceptional care for personal circumstances, for example “immediately encourag[ing]… flexible working” for a new parent.
Through this combination of encouragement, responsiveness, and extraordinary dedication, Sebastian creates an environment where researchers flourish—making him truly deserving of recognition for Outstanding Research Supervision.”
Congratulations again to Professor Bonilla!