Inspirational learning and teaching was celebrated at this year's Education Awards, held on Tuesday 21st April 2026. The Education Awards combines the Academic Rep Awards, Peer Support Awards and University Teaching Awards in one night of celebration. Nominees, colleagues and students from the University were invited to join in the celebrations at the Guildhall.
Again large numbers of nominations were received for the University Teaching Awards this year, which recognise outstanding staff achievements in learning and teaching across the University. Professor Julian Chaudhuri, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education), congratulated all nominees for their commitment to delivering exceptionally high-quality learning and teaching, and pastoral support activities.
We look forward to talking to our 7 award winners over the coming weeks to find out more about their outstanding effort and commitment to learning and teaching, and what it means to them to win an award.
Our winners will present at Edufest 2026, where we will be able to hear of all the good practice.
Academic Advisor of the Year Award
This award recognises the important and valuable role Academic Advisors have in supporting students in their studies and personal development throughout their course.
Dr David Liptrot (Department of Chemistry), his outstanding commitment to student support, mentorship, and academic advising stood out to the panel. Over several years, he has provided calm, consistent, and deeply personal guidance to students at every stage of their journey — on campus, on placement, and beyond. Students speak powerfully about his impact. One shared that “he sat with me to create clear plans for exams and personal challenges, which left me reassured and confident rather than overwhelmed.” Another described David as “a constant throughout my education — approachable, reassuring, and someone whose advice genuinely shaped my confidence and direction.”. What sets David apart is his kindness, his reliability, and his belief in helping students recognise their own strengths. Through quiet dedication and genuine care, he has changed lives — and that is the very definition of excellence in student support.
“I am very grateful to my students, and my colleagues for the Academic Advisor of the Year Award, especially in light of the exceptional commitment to pastoral care at the University. I was deeply touched by the heartfelt words supporting the nomination; and a little surprised to realise that I’ve been able to have such an impact. It is a joy to play a small role in students’ blossoming whilst at Bath, even if their summer plans often make me jealous! I have always felt aided by my excellent colleagues in this role, by my Department particularly in the form of Directors of Studies, Directors of Teaching, and our Senior Academic Advisors; and by the student support staff at the University. Without them, the role would be an intractable challenge, but with their support my interactions with academic advisees are some of the most enjoyable and rewarding of my job.” David Liptrot.
Innovation in Learning and Teaching Award
The Innovation in Learning and Teaching Award is made in recognition of a significant contribution to innovation in curriculum design, content or delivery.
Dr Lukasz Piwek (School of Management) has been a leader in embedding Generative AI into Management programmes in a thoughtful, rigorous, and future-focused way. Empowering students to use emerging technologies critically and professionally. Across the MSc Business Analytics, MBA and Executive MBA programmes, Lukasz has transformed learning through real-world data, authentic assessments, and industry relevant tools. Beyond his teaching, Lukasz is recognised as generously supporting colleagues and helping share programmes to be more relevant, robust and future ready.
"This means a great deal to me. I've always seen technology as something to embrace in the classroom rather than fear, and it's wonderful to see that approach recognised. The real credit goes to the students who engage with it so openly and critically." Lukasz Piwek
Mary Tasker Award
The Mary Tasker Award recognises excellence in teaching, particularly through the use of creative and effective approaches.
Dr Samantha Hayward (Department of Mechanical Engineering), teaches classrooms of over 350 Engineering students — and somehow manages to make 8:15am lectures energetic, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable. Through creativity, humour, live demonstrations, and tireless dedication, she turns challenging mathematics into something accessible, relevant, and fun. Students consistently recognise Sam's impact. One described her as “one of the most engaging and effective lecturers I’ve had — enthusiastic, clear, and genuinely caring about student understanding, even in early morning lectures.” Beyond the classroom, Sam has launched the Cauchy Club, bringing together staff and students across the University to deepen understanding and excitement around mathematics in engineering. Through innovation, inclusivity, and exceptional commitment to her students, this colleague represents the very best of teaching at Bath — and is a truly deserving recipient of this award.
"It was really special to receive the Mary Tasker Award for excellence in teaching. The last two years of teaching Engineering Maths have been such an amazing experience. Teaching has always been something that I have found so rewarding and enjoyable, and I have learnt so much from all my students and colleagues. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my time at Bath and a big thank you to all my students for putting up with my terrible 8am jokes and laughing…sometimes!" Samantha Hayward
John Willis Award
The John Willis Award recognises dedication to the academic and personal lives of students combined with a significant contribution to teaching and accomplishment in research. We received many strong nominations for this Award.
Dr Jack Spicer (Department of Social and Policy Sciences), is an internationally recognised scholar whose pioneering work on illicit drug markets — including county lines and cuckooing — has influenced real‑world policy and practice. What makes this truly exceptional is how directly he brings this cutting‑edge research into the classroom, creating teaching that is engaging, relevant, and deeply impactful. One student described him as “an inspiring and supportive teacher whose research‑informed teaching creates a learning environment where students feel valued and encouraged to develop as future practitioners and scholars.” Across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, Jack is also known for his exceptional pastoral care, his passion, generosity, and commitment.
"It’s a genuine honour to have received the John Willis award. One of the most rewarding aspects of being an academic is teaching students about topics that I find intellectually fascinating and practically meaningful. The discipline of criminology and topic of illicit drugs are fantastic outlets for this. I’m consistently amazed by the ability of Bath students to embrace complexity, analyse ideas and think critically about responses to social problems. Being able to draw on some of my own research as part of this learning process makes it even more enjoyable. I’m indebted to some fantastic colleagues who have provided leadership, mentorship and friendship during my time at the university. It’s been through their support that I’ve been able to juggle the different strands of academic life and achieve the things I have wanted to do." Jack Spicer
Director of Studies Award
The Director of Studies Award recognises the important role played by Directors of Studies in supporting learning and teaching, and their positive impact on the student experience.
Dr Eleanor Nichols (Department of Physics),In her short time as Director of Studies, Eleanor has made an exceptional impact through innovation, professionalism, and genuine care for students and staff. She has proactively streamlined core processes by developing automated workflows, reducing workload for Directors of Studies across the department. She also led the creation of the Physics Hub, bringing all key teaching information into a single, accessible Moodle page—greatly improving the student experience while making information easier for staff to find. Student feedback consistently highlights her approachability and the positive change she has brought, with one describing her impact as “a breath of fresh air” for the department.
"I’m very honoured to receive the Director of Studies award, particularly given the other brilliant colleagues who were also shortlisted. Supporting students is something I care about deeply, so this award truly means a lot to me. To my students: thank you. You are all fantastic, and I’m very grateful I have the opportunity to make your experience at the University a positive one. I would also like to thank the amazing staff in the physics department (particularly Dr Yarden Brody) for all of their encouragement and support as I’ve settled into this role." Eleanor Nicols
Best Team Award in Support of Student Learning
The Best Team in Support of Student Learning Award recognises exceptional or innovative teamwork in the delivery of learning and teaching.
Team Bath Heart Supervisors (Dr Katharine Fraser, Dr Melusine Pigeon, Dr Jamie Gawith, Dr Nathaniel Kelly, Dr Lee Nissim, Dr Andrew Cookson), Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Team Bath Heart stood out this year as exceptional, exemplifying ambition, interdisciplinarity, collaboration, and social impact, tackling one of society’s most urgent challenges — the development of a total artificial heart for patients with end‑stage heart failure. Founded in 2022, the team has already achieved remarkable success, winning the International Heart Hackathon’s Most Advanced Design award in 2023, 2024, and 2025. But their impact goes far beyond competition results, they have combined world‑class engineering with inclusivity, diversity, and meaningful purpose. With outstanding interdisciplinary supervision and a strong student‑led ethos, the team has delivered real learning, real skills, and real outcomes — with many students progressing to jobs, placements, and further study as a direct result of their work.
"It's a huge honour for the Team Bath Heart Supervisors to win "Best Team in Support of Student Learning" and is a wonderful recognition of the hard work that goes in to supervising the team and ensuring the students can progress with their important task of developing a Total Artificial Heart for patients with advanced heart failure." Team Bath Heart
Leadership in Learning and Teaching Award
The Leadership in Learning & Teaching Award is awarded to a member of staff who can show a sustained and successful profile of transformational leadership in learning and teaching within the University.
This year we had two worthy winners;
Professor Gail Forey (Department of Education), during her time as Associate Dean for Education, Gail has led transformational change —through collaboration, generosity, and trust. She has strengthened teaching quality across the Faculty by improving the recognition, training, and support of Graduate Teaching Assistants, ensuring they feel valued, prepared, and part of a shared educational mission. Gail has also built powerful communities around the scholarship of teaching and educational leadership — supporting Education Specialist colleagues, senior leaders, and professional services staff to develop, progress, and lead. Colleagues consistently describe her approach as empowering and transformative and her leadership as based on purpose, kindness, and vision.
"I’m honoured to receive this award, and the recognition means a great deal to me. My leadership is shaped by a deep belief that education should be inclusive, empowering, and accessible to all. Thank you to the inspiring leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with and learn from, and to the colleagues and students who work with me every day to create learning environments where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive." Gail Forey
Dr Tina Duren (Department of Chemical Engineering), has consistently placed people, inclusion, and long‑term impact at the heart of her leadership across her roles as Head of Department, Director of Teaching, and Director of the IMPS Centre. Tina is deeply committed to nurturing early‑career colleagues, creating environments where high standards, innovation, and confidence grow together. Tina's leadership was praised by students, one of whom described how she “creates an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence, motivating students to take ownership of their learning.” Through her focus on employability, inclusive practice, and collaborative programme development, she has strengthened teaching culture across departments and faculties. Her leadership translates values into action — enriching the experience of students and colleagues alike.
This year, one nominee was awarded Highly Commended by the Awards Committee: Dr Emma Emanuelsson Patterson, Department of Chemical Engineering (Mary Tasker Award).
Congratulations to all those who were shortlisted and nominated for our Teaching Awards this year;
Academic Advisor of the Year Award: Nathalia Gjersoe*, Josie Millar, Julien Licchesi, Nick Priest*, Martin Ray, Artemio Ocheo, Rob Branston, James Davenport, Manuela Martinez-Barona, Elaina Osorio Saez, Teslim Buyoke, Alison Tinknell-Smith, Brian Rutter, Tamsin McLaren, Catherine-Axa Wilkins, Anthony Bush, Daniel Wolverson, Patricia Schady.
Innovation in Learning & Teaching: Matthew Lennox, Joy Cranham, Peter Manning*, Samathan Hayward, Carmen Wismayer, David Moon, Moody Alam*, James Davenport.
John Willis Award: Karin Petrini, Ben Radley*, Josie Millar, Antonio Jose Exposito*, Sanjay Nagaragan.
Mary Tasker Award: Erica Pavod, Nuno Reis, Bruno Oliveriera, Mitch Callan, Eleanor Nichols, Cristina Martinez, Ron Lavi, Javier Rivas, Teslim Boyoke*, Barrie Marsh, Mike Willis, Jasmine Khouja, Ting Qui, Ollie Thomasson, Neil Howard, Ashley Vanstone, David Moon, David Tsang, Rox Middleton, Paul Snow, Gavin Hassall, Richard Hamshaw, Emma Emanuelsson Patterson*.
Leadership in Learning & Teaching: Yarden Brody, Matteo De Tina, Victoria Willis, Zoe Burke*, Carmen Schembri wismayer, Catherine Hamilton Giachritsis, Teslim Bukoye.
Best Team in Support of Student Learning: HL20538 Lab teaching team (Lucy Merrell, James Hickman, Harrison Collier-Bain, Bruno Spellazman, Daniel Rees), Faculty of Engineering and Design Placement and Employability Team (Vicky Hill, Pippa McLernon, Kim Smith, Rachel Pascoe, Laura Green, Rose Brockwell, Lauren Budden, Gemma Heffernan, Sophie Millar, Katie Whitehead, Hattie Timberlake, Rose Leek, Olena Skorokhod, Alice Horncastle, Jayne Barlow), Italian section, Department of Politics, Languages and International Studies (Enrico Cecconi, Elena Minelli, Felia Allum, Silvia Boeri, Robyn Hackett, Galadriel Ravelli), School of Management Undergraduate Team (Jane Hunt, Helen Varcoe, Lucy Thain, Joelle Lewis, Izzy King, Ashleigh Curl, Claire Martin, Jude Dent, Anouska Johnson), Computer Science Campus-based Learning Support Team* (Zack Lyons, John Benardis, Fabio Nemetz, Marina De Vos, Jo Hyde, Julie Grice), Department of Physics Experimental Laboratory Technical Team (Joshua English, Joseph Mills, Elektra Olivero Pistoletto and Christopher Shearwood).
Director of Studies Award: Gamila Shoib, Eleni Sikou, Fabio Nemetz*, Liz Kullman, James Taylor, Richard Hamshaw, Marina De Vos, Manuela Barona, Milena Romano, Catherine Hamilton Giachritsis, Rakshita Hitibandara, Leen Jabban, Ollie Thomasson*, Maria Sarigaiannidou, Tania Griffin.
* shortlisted
Read more about the awards made to student reps, peer mentors, lecturers, and support staff years at this year's Education Awards.
