Posted: 28th June 2023

We are delighted that the Department of Computer Science's Andrew Ker is one of 10 academics who have been recognised with a divisional teaching award.

The Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) divisional Teaching Awards scheme celebrates success and recognises and rewards excellence in innovative teaching practice. It is open to everyone who teaches, including graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, faculty and learning support staff. 

Awards are made on merit, with winners selected by a cross-departmental panel. This year, entries closed in April and 108 members of staff were nominated, through 168 separate nominations. The panel met earlier this month to select the following ten winners, who will be recognised as part of a reception attended by senior leadership from across MPLS, in September 2023. 

Andrew is a Lecturer and Tutorial Fellow in Computer Science. He received a student nomination praising the well-structured lectures he delivers, which help to support learning in areas which are not necessarily easy or favourites amongst his students. The Department of Computer Science endorsed the nomination and stated that other student feedback received for Andrew indicates that a number of other students might have wished to put forward a nomination for a Teaching Award, particularly since Andrew consistently receives high feedback scores for his lectures. 

Professor Mike Bonsall, Associate Head of Division (Education) chaired the judging panel. He said: ‘The MPLS Teaching Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate teaching talent across the Division and to recognise excellence. We had our work cut out this year, choosing just ten winners from such a competitive field of glowing nominations. They could have all been deserving winners. We were especially pleased to see so many nominees at earlier career stages as well as those who are further advanced in their careers. My warmest congratulations to all of our winners and to all those who were nominated.’  

Professor Sam Howison, Head of the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences Division, said: ‘Our Teaching Awards are an opportunity for us to shine a light on the commitment and innovation of our teaching staff at all levels, and across every department, who are so ably supporting the University’s teaching mission and helping to inspire the next generation of leading scientists. How wonderful to see such a strong haul of entries, and I second Mike in congratulating everyone on their nominations, especially our ten overall winners this year.’