Bioarchaeologist, physicist and philosopher recognised for research and teaching excellence

Three members of the Trinity Hall Fellowship have been awarded academic promotions at the University of Cambridge, recognising their outstanding contributions to teaching, research and academia. These promotions recognise a strong commitment to academic excellence and highlight the important contributions Fellows make to the development of their disciplines and to the experience of their students.

The following Fellows have been promoted, effective 1 October 2026:

Dr Tamsin O’Connell has been appointed to a Professorship in the Department of Archaeology (Grade 12).

Dr O’Connell is a chemist working at the intersection of chemistry and archaeology. Her research uses isotopic analysis to look for the tiny chemical clues in human and animal tissues to examine their ancient diet and the climates they lived in. Dr O’Connell teaches at undergraduate and postgraduate level, and led the Department of Archaeology between 2021 and 2025. In November 2025, Dr O’Connell was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Professor Teuta Pilizota has been appointed to a Professorship in the Department of Physics (Grade 11).

Professor Pilizota explores how bacterial cells generate and regulate energy. Her research examines the movement of ions across cell membranes and how this is linked to ATP production, osmotic pressure and the maintenance of stable internal conditions. By studying these tightly coupled systems, she seeks to understand the principles that govern free energy in living cells and to define, in physical terms, what distinguishes life from death. Alongside her fundamental research, Professor Pilizota has a strong track record of translating scientific insights into practical applications, including co-founding the start-up company OGI Bio Ltd.

Dr Neil Dewar has been appointed to a University Associate Professorship in the Faculty of Philosophy (Grade 10).

Dr Dewar works on topics in philosophy of physics, logic and metaphysics. Much of his research concerns how theories in physics use mathematics to represent the physical world. He lectures and supervises on topics in logic, metaphysics and philosophy of science in the Philosophy Tripos, and teaches postgraduate students in Philosophy and History & Philosophy of Science.

Congratulating the Fellows, Trinity Hall’s Senior Tutor Dr Michael Sutherland said: “It’s wonderful to see the achievements of our Fellows recognised in this way, reflecting the strong academic culture of the College and the close connection between outstanding scholarship and the experience we offer our students.”

Mary Hockaday, Master of Trinity Hall, said: “I’m delighted to congratulate Dr O’Connell, Professor Pilizota and Dr Dewar for this recognition of their contribution to research and teaching. It’s wonderful to see our Fellows recognised across such a range of disciplines, a reflection of the breadth of Trinity Hall’s intellectual life and the support we can offer students as well as a tribute to their individual success.”

The Academic Careers Pathways (ACP) Scheme recognises and rewards outstanding contributions and celebrates academic achievement. Assessment is based on contributions in research and research leadership; teaching and/or researcher development; and service to the University and to the academic community more broadly.