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Dr Scott Walker, School of Medicine 

Dr Scott Walker receives the award for their innovative, experiential learning initiatives and strong collaborative leadership, which effectively strengthens students’ professional identity while addressing wider societal needs. Their work demonstrates clear impact through active, patient-centred learning approaches, with positive student and staff feedback and a thoughtful commitment to evaluating long-term outcomes.  

The awarding panel were particularly impressed by Scott’s collaborative leadership style and his ability to build partnerships that overcome complex logistical and institutional challenges. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, including work with the School of Pharmacy, he has supported the delivery of meaningful interprofessional learning and community engagement experiences that connect academic study with real world practice. 

In response to receiving the award Scott said: ‘I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive the 2026 Vice-Chancellor's Education Excellence Award. I see this recognition not only as a reflection of my own contribution, but as a celebration of colleagues, students and regional partners whose insights, collaboration and commitment have helped transform ideas into meaningful learning opportunities’. 

It has been a privilege to lead the development of active and experiential learning approaches that connect students with authentic practice and create reciprocal benefits for both learners and the local community. I am proud that this work has been recognised, and I view this award as a testament to the power of partnership, shared purpose and our collective ambition to connect students with the leading edge of practice and society. Most importantly, it reinforces my commitment to developing educational approaches that empower learners to engage confidently with future challenges and contribute positively to the communities they will serve'.

 

Global Urban Planning Education Consortium (GUPEC) – School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape 

Pictured:  Natalia Villamizar Duarte, Gabriel Silvestre, Chris Day (presenting award) Cat Button, William Otchere-Darko

The Global Urban Planning Education Consortium (GUPEC) in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape receives this award for their transnational, co-taught module, which demonstrates a strong focus on globalisation and social justice, underpinned by effective international collaboration and research-led teaching. The awarding panel were impressed by the team’s commitment to inclusive practice, capacity building across institutions and their ability to create meaningful opportunities for students to develop global awareness and engage with complex societal challenges. Their work demonstrates clear impact in enhancing student engagement, supporting progression and strengthening the international dimension of education through innovative partnership working.  

“This award is a meaningful recognition of a collective effort to reimagine planning education as a genuinely international, collaborative and socially engaged experience. Through the Global Urban Planning Education Consortium (GUPEC), we have worked closely with colleagues and students at Ãå±±½ûµØ, the School of Planning and Architecture Delhi and the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee to create a learning environment that values different perspectives, challenges dominant assumptions and connects global urban issues to local realities.  

What makes this recognition particularly special is that it celebrates not only innovative teaching, but also the relationships, trust and shared commitment that have sustained this partnership over several years. Our students have shown remarkable openness, curiosity and willingness to learn across cultures, demonstrating that some of the most meaningful educational experiences emerge through dialogue, comparison and collective problem-solving.  

We are grateful to our institutional partners, colleagues and students whose enthusiasm, generosity and critical engagement have shaped the module. This award encourages us to continue building inclusive forms of transnational education that equip future planners to engage thoughtfully and responsibly with the complex urban challenges facing societies around the world.”  

Embedding Industry Practice, Employability, and Pedagogical Innovation in PR and Strategic Communications Education – School of Arts and Cultures  

The award will be presented at a winter congregation ceremony.  Team Members:  Anne-Marie Lacey, Dr Jesus Salazar, Jonathan Ward, Kellie Daniels, Patience Mathambo, Dr Paulina Kuranchie.

The PR and Strategic Communications Team receives this award in recognition of their outstanding contribution to authentic, industry-aligned learning that enhances student experience and prepares graduates for professional practice. Their work demonstrates a strong commitment to bridging academic knowledge with real-world application, creating opportunities for students to develop confidence, creativity and employability skills. 

The awarding panel were impressed by the innovative approach to designing and delivering engaging learning experiences shaped by student feedback, sector needs and ongoing evaluation. Through close collaboration with industry partners, students are supported to work on authentic projects, engage with real clients and produce high-quality outputs that reflect contemporary professional practice, including the responsible use of emerging technologies. 

In response to receiving the award the Team said: 

As a teaching team, we are incredibly proud to receive this award. It recognises a shared belief that students learn best when they are trusted to tackle real challenges, work with real organisations and see the impact that effective communication can have beyond the classroom. Our goal has always been to create learning experiences that are meaningful, relevant and empowering, helping students develop not only the knowledge and technical skills needed for professional practice, but also the confidence, curiosity and judgement to use them well. 

Everything we have achieved has been a genuine team effort. We continually challenge and support one another, share ideas openly and draw on each other’s expertise to keep our teaching innovative, inclusive and connected to an evolving profession. We are equally grateful to our students, whose enthusiasm, creativity and honest feedback continue to shape our modules, and to the industry and community partners who generously collaborate with us to make authentic learning possible. Our emphasis on supporting each other and our students, reflects exemplary practice within our discipline, with a strong emphasis on mutual understanding and balanced, ethical communication. 

This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to that journey. It encourages us to continue pushing boundaries, embracing new ideas and creating opportunities that inspire our students to become thoughtful, ethical and highly capable communication professionals.