Dr Tom Passey awarded Niab enterprise and innovation award

The in-house award, initiated by former Niab Trustee Bentley Nelstrop, celebrates exceptional contribution to innovation and enterprise by an individual or a team from within Niab. Dr Passey joins the previous recipients in receiving a unique medal, crafted by sculptor Janet MacLeod, wife of former Niab Director Professor John MacLeod.

Tom was nominated by his colleagues for providing exceptional leadership of the East Malling pathology technical team with sustained contributions to innovation, operational excellence, integrity, and project delivery, as well as to stakeholder confidence within Niab. 

With 20 years’ service at Niab at East Malling, starting out as a summer casual, Tom has successfully managed his research portfolio and was promoted in 2017 to lead the pathology technical support team, where he excels in team leadership and project management. 

Tom completed his on-the-job PhD in apple scab epidemiology and population genetics in 2018, whilst continuing to manage his research projects and the team. 

Niab Research Leader Dr Louisa Robinson explains why she nominated Dr Passey: ‘Tom exemplifies the Niab mission to pioneer crop science for the benefit of society and embodies the behaviours Niab aspires to. He does all this while still deeply caring for his team, his colleagues and the work that he is delivering. In short, Tom is an outstanding colleague, a respected leader, and an essential contributor to Niab enterprise and innovation.’

‘He excels in all diverse areas of his role, from genetics to the field to commercial practicality, seamlessly and professionally. And he has been taking more responsibility in attracting funding to support applied pathological activities on fruit crops.’

Niab CEO Professor Mario Caccamo added: ‘This is a well-deserved award for Tom. As always it is a difficult decision for Bentley to select the award winner, and it was no different this year with some worthy staff and teams nominated. What stood out for Tom was his sustained contribution to Niab added to his dedication to ensuring trials and research projects run smoothly, efficiently and produce trusted results. His work directly strengthens Niab science, business, and reputation. Congratulations Tom!’.

Accepting the award Tom said: ‘I was genuinely surprised to learn I had been nominated, let alone chosen for this year’s Bentley Nelstrop Award. I’m honoured to be selected among a list of deserving candidates, and I’m grateful to those who put my name forward and to my team for their dedication and hard work.