The University of Essex held its first Celebrating Promotions event at Wivenhoe House on Monday (14 October).

The event was organised to personally thank staff for their hard work, commitment and the important contribution they make to the University.

This is the first of a regular series of events to mark staff promotions across the University, including staff working in professional services and academics.

• View the slideshow on our flickr account

Part of the University's wider plans to celebrate excellence in education and research, Celebrating Promotions highlights the successes and achievements of Essex staff, who are helping to deliver this excellence across the University.

Between May and ealy September a total of 73 members of staff were promoted, 37 were academic and research promotions with 11 academics named as new professors this year. The Professorial Inaugural Lecture series has been launched to mark these appointments and will take place throughout the year to give new professors a platform to talk about their work and research.

• Professorial Inaugural Lecture series