Two members of staff at Edinburgh Napier are among 54 new National Teaching Fellows announced by Advance HE, the new body set up to help higher education shape its future.
Professor Mark Huxham, from the School of Applied Sciences, and Michelle O’Reilly, from the School of Health & Social Care, were recognised alongside three other colleagues from Scottish universities.
The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession.
Institutions in Scotland nominated entries for the first time this year.
Alison Johns, Advance HE chief executive, said: “The award of a National Teaching Fellowship is an outstanding achievement and I know that the whole sector will join me in congratulating the 54 new NTFs as well as the 15 Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence winning teams.
“Advance HE is very proud to run these awards on behalf of the sector. A key part of our role in this programme is to work with both NTFs and CATE winners to showcase their work so that others can learn and benefit from their success.”
Prof Stephen May, Senior Vice Principal at the Royal Veterinary College and Chair of the UK Teaching Awards Panel, said: “The panel was delighted to see even greater participation in awards this year, with a 40 per cent increase across both sets of awards.
“The process to identify NTFs and CATE winners is a rigorous one which now includes the training and selection of reviewers. NTFs and CATE winners richly deserve these awards and the sector is rightly proud of them.”
There are now more than 860 NTFs. Institutions may nominate up to three individuals per annum. The schemes are open to all staff whose teaching or support roles enhance the student learning experience.
Advance HE was set up following the merger of the Equality Challenge Unit, the Higher Education Academy and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education. It is jointly owned by GuildHE and Universities UK.