Richard Whitecross is among 55 new fellows named by the prestigious higher education organisation
Edinburgh Napier University’s Head of Law, Richard Whitecross, has been named among the 2023 winners of the prestigious National Teaching Fellowship Scheme.
The award, which is organised by Advance HE, recognises outstanding contributions to excellent teaching and inspiring colleagues in higher education.
Richard is one of 55 winners of the NTF this year, and joins ENU colleagues Dr Eva Malone, Dr Jacqueline Brodie and Professor Mark Huxham as a fellow.
Richard was appointed Lecturer in Law at ENU in 2012, promoted to Associate Professor in 2017 and to Professor in 2020. His research interests include migration and asylum law, equalities, child and family law, as well as legal anthropology.
Responding to the news, Richard said: “Academic leadership brings many challenges. For me, the NTF was about my willingness to take risks, to lead by example and to find ways to work with colleagues in a meaningful way. 
“I know from conversations with other heads of subject that we can and do feel isolated. To have a sounding board you trust and have confidence to ask, “can you help me with …?” is crucial.
“Preparing my claim, underscored for me that I have been supported in many ways by my colleagues at Edinburgh Napier.”
Alison Johns, Chief Executive, Advance HE, said: “Congratulations to all of the new National Teaching Fellows on this prestigious accolade which recognises and rewards their commitment to teaching and learning and the impact it has on student success.
“It is with great pride that we run these awards for the UK higher education sector designed to celebrate these passionate people who make such a difference to students’ education and to the practice of their colleagues.”
This year, the new National Teaching Fellows represent all four UK nations and cross a broad range of disciplines including Nursing, Medicine and Paramedic Science, Sports Science, Architecture, Art and Design, Marketing, Music and the Performing Arts, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, Degree Apprenticeships, Careers and Employability.
An independent panel of senior higher education leaders, representing the four UK nations, assures the quality of the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme and Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence and recommends winners.