15 Jul 2026
Mathematical, Physical, and Life Sciences Division honours teaching excellence with 2026 awards
Professor Stephen Morris is one of five recipients of this year’s MPLS Teaching Awards, recognising their significant contributions to student learning and academic innovation.
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."
One of the awards went to Stephen Morris, Professor in Engineering Science and 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.
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.
