Science Museum hosts robotics event spotlighting UK’s research technical professionals
More than 130 Research Technical Professionals (RTPs), academics, and partners of London’s Science Museum came together for a celebration of robotics expertise and innovation.
Hosted in the museum’s Illuminate space on 18 June, the UK RAS STEPS Technical Showcase 2025 made a major impact on 18 June, delivering a programme of live demonstrations, presentations, workshops, and panel discussions.
Organised as part of the broader UK RAS STEPS initiative, which the University of Leeds leads, the Showcase aimed to build capability, visibility, and recognition for RTPs in a celebratory, inclusive environment. It was designed to elevate the work of RTPs in the Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) sector, while fostering collaboration, spotlighting career development, and celebrating the vital contributions of technical professionals across the UK.
To this end, an awards ceremony honoured three outstanding RTPs across a trio of categories, recognising the dedication, ingenuity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration at the heart of UK robotics – and one of Leeds’ colleagues found success on the day.
UK RAS STEPS Technical Showcase award winners for 2025
Outstanding Robotics Engineering: Graham Brown, University of Leeds
Highly commended: Thomas McGravie (The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University), Charles Richards (University College London), Fabio Tatti (Imperial College London), Robert Woolley (University of York)
Innovative Teamwork in Robotics: Yuen Ting Chan, Natural History Museum
Highly commended: Daniel Marfiewicz-Dickinson (University of York), Gerry Rafferty (Queen’s University Belfast)
Transformative Robotics Impact: Rob Clowes, University of Liverpool
Highly commended: Ana Rubio Denniss (King’s College London), Ian Dukes (University of Essex)
The decision to host the event at the Science Museum, one of the UK’s most iconic institutions for science and technology, reflected UK RAS STEPS’ ambition to honour achievements at British institutions while also focusing on how they shape the future of robotics. The museum’s Illuminate space also allowed for a more relaxed, collaborative, and accessible atmosphere.
The event’s organisers thank everyone who attended, presented, and supported the event, adding that they look forward to building on this success and “continuing to spotlight the invaluable contributions of RTPs across the RAS landscape”.
Robert Richardson, UK RAS STEPS Co-director and Professor of Robotics in the School of Mechanical Engineering, said: “The UK RAS STEPS Technical Showcase was a landmark moment for our technical community; a vibrant celebration of the people whose expertise powers the UK's robotics research.
“It was inspiring to see such a diverse and talented group of RTPs come together to share innovations, build networks, and shape the future of RAS. Events like this are core to the STEPS mission: recognising excellence, fostering collaboration, and creating space for technical voices to lead.”
