University News Last updated 30 July 2012
Two outstanding academics from Birmingham City University have each been awarded coveted National Teaching Fellow status - the most prestigious award for excellence in university teaching and learning.
The Higher Education Academy (HEA) announced on Thursday 26 July that Professor David Wilson, Director of the Centre for Applied Criminology at Birmingham City University, and Professor Stuart Brand, Director of Learning Experience at Birmingham City University, have been recognised under the National Teaching Fellowship scheme.
Professor Stuart Brand is architect to a radical restructure of the learning experience at Birmingham City University. Stuart passionately believes in a “democratic” learning community, with a strong student-staff partnership placed at the heart of this process.
Through innovative thinking, Stuart and his in-house ‘learning lab’ – known as CELT – have driven a University-wide focus on student academic engagement which has brought national and international recognition.
“I am delighted to receive this Fellowship which I see as recognition in part for the terrific work that so many staff and students have done to develop such effective academic partnerships here at Birmingham City University.”
HEA announced that 55 lecturers and learning support staff have been awarded National Teaching Fellowships.
Professor David Wilson is one of the UK’s leading criminologists and has advised government on prison policy, is a campaigner for penal reform and trusted by millions because of his work with the media to help analyse serious crime.
David recently fronted the popular Channel 5 programme ‘Killers Behind Bars’, which revealed his pioneering and exciting approach of taking real world research directly from the field of investigation and straight into the lecture room.
"I am thrilled and humbled to have my work recognised in this way,” said David. “Birmingham City University is a wonderful place to teach students because the University has long championed the need to link academic theory to actual practice in the work place and in the community.
“I continue to be inspired by my current and former students who now occupy very senior positions in a range of criminal justice agencies, NGOs and charities."
The award winners were chosen from over 180 nominations submitted by higher education institutions across England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Each will receive an award of £10,000 which may be used for Fellows’ professional development in teaching and learning or other aspects of pedagogy.
Successful nominees were backed by their institutions and submissions had to show evidence of three criteria: individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence.
Professor Craig Mahoney, HEA Chief Executive, said the awards carry considerable prestige within the sector and are highly competitive.
He added: “The new Fellows created this year have all made a highly valuable contribution to learning and teaching within their institutions and often more widely.
“At the HEA we are committed to recognising and rewarding excellence in teaching. Students deserve - and expect - the best possible learning experience during their time in higher education, and fantastic staff such as National Teaching Fellows help to deliver this experience.
“I am extremely proud of the HEA in delivering this programme and I congratulate all successful recipients."
The new National Teaching Fellows will officially receive their awards at a ceremony which will take place in London on Wednesday 10 October 2012.