The annual Teaching Awards recognise excellence and innovation in education across the Division, welcoming nominations from all those involved in teaching activities, from graduate students and postdoctoral researchers to faculty and learning support staff.
The winners were chosen by a cross-departmental panel chaired by Professor Stuart Robinson, incoming Associate Head of Division (Taught Degrees), who commented: "The Teaching Awards are a great way of recognising and celebrating excellent and innovative teaching practices across the division. We are grateful to all the students and colleagues who contributed to the nomination process, which resulted in a very strong pool of candidates from across the division. Our five winners all contribute to delivery of teaching in different ways yet all have demonstrated outstanding leadership, creativity and commitment to education. I offer them my congratulations and gratitude for their hard work."
Professor Jim Naismith, Head of the MPLS Division, said: “Through teaching, we transform and support the futures of our students who go on to make the world a better place. Across MPLS our teaching is excellent, both in what we teach and how we teach. I want to thank and celebrate everyone for setting and maintaining these standards. Congratulations to all those nominated and those who have won awards for their exceptional contributions to teaching.”
This year’s recipients will be celebrated at the annual MPLS Reception in the autumn, where guests from across the MPLS Division will join colleagues in recognising these achievements in teaching excellence.
2026 WINNERS
Elizabeth is the Departmental Librarian at the Department of Earth Sciences.
Elizabeth’s has led the redevelopment of first-year academic skills training, creating an engaging, integrated programme that supports students in library research, scientific writing, and the effective use of sources throughout the year. Working closely with colleagues, Elizabeth has also developed innovative teaching materials and embedded these skills across the curriculum. This has been a substantial undertaking, which she has carried out with great dedication and care. Elizabeth’s colleagues particularly highlight her commitment to continually improving the student experience, willingness to develop expertise on emerging issues such as AI, and stewardship of a welcoming and inclusive departmental library.
Dominic is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Mathematical Institute.
Dominic’s nomination highlights how he delivered outstanding teaching on the Part A Fluids and Waves course, combining clear, engaging explanations with practical demonstrations and real-world examples that brought the material to life. Dominic created an approachable and supportive learning environment, encouraging questions during and after lectures and ensuring that students fully understood the concepts. Dominic’s students consistently praise his enthusiasm, kindness, and ability to make challenging material accessible, highlighting the care he takes to engage every student and make even early morning lectures something they looked forward to.
Stephen is a Professor in Engineering Science and the Associate Head (Teaching) in the Department of Engineering Science.
As Associate Head of Department (Teaching), Stephen’s nomination highlights how he successfully led the complex renewal of accreditation for the undergraduate engineering programme, safeguarding the quality and recognition of students' degrees. Stephen oversaw significant curriculum and governance changes, navigated the competing requirements of multiple professional bodies, and worked diplomatically with colleagues and external stakeholders to secure full reaccreditation, including by a new body. This was an exceptionally challenging undertaking, which he carried out with outstanding leadership and professionalism. Stephen’s colleagues particularly highlight his commitment to maintaining the highest standards in teaching and the undergraduate curriculum, ensuring students continue to benefit from a rigorous, accredited engineering education.
Hannah is an Associate Professor in Physical Climate at the Sub-department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics.
Hannah’s nomination outlines the consistently strong and positive feedback she received from students for her lecture course. It highlights her engaging and accessible teaching style, as well as the care she takes to explain complex material clearly and effectively. The nomination also recognises Hannah’s ongoing commitment to delivering a high-quality learning experience, noting the positive impact her teaching has had on students’ understanding, confidence, and engagement throughout the course. Overall, the feedback reflects the value students placed on her teaching and the meaningful contribution she has made to their learning experience.
Daisy is a DPhil Student in the Department of Biology.
Daisy's nomination focuses on how she is an exceptionally thoughtful, effective, and innovative teacher who has made a positive impact across tutorials, project supervision, practical teaching, and statistics and coding support.
Daisy is praised for designing teaching that responds to students' needs, building confidence, critical thinking, and independence, while creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Students particularly value her ability to explain difficult concepts clearly and encourage collaboration, while colleagues highlight her reflective approach to teaching, responsiveness to feedback, and commitment to continually developing and improving the student learning experience.