National recognition for ‘outstanding’ Cardiff lecturers

A pair of Cardiff University lecturers has been recognised for their outstanding contribution to student learning by gaining a fellowship to a prestigious national teaching scheme.

Maths lecturer Dr Robert Wilson and physics lecturer Dr Richard Lewis have both been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) from Advance HE.

A maximum of 55 individuals from the UK higher education sector receive the award each year, indicating both the prestige and recognition that the fellowships carry both nationally and internationally.

The NTF Scheme celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.

The award winners will join a national community of more than 800 like-minded professionals who are passionate about teaching excellence, and will be given the opportunity to collaborate across boundaries and disciplines both at home here in the UK and across the rest of the world.

Dr Richard Lewis is a Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Studies within the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Richard has pioneered an award-winning postgraduate curriculum that mobilises students as active researchers and is currently collaborating with several UK higher education institutions to develop remote laboratories to widen taught master’s engagement and to enhance the student learning experience.

Commenting on the Fellowship, he said: “Working with my MSc students is varied, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. I feel genuinely privileged to be able to support them in their academic and professional development as they transition between undergraduate students to becoming fully-fledged practising scientists. To be recognised with a National Teaching Fellowship for excellence and innovation in taught master’s teaching is therefore a tremendous honour.”

Dr Robert Wilson is a Senior Lecturer within the School of Mathematics, and a former Director of Learning and Teaching within the School. He was also former Dean for Education Innovation at the University.

Dr Wilson is a passionate advocate of approaches to active learning in mathematics education, challenging students to unpack their misconceptions and learn through investigation and peer collaboration.

He is currently investigating the relationship between mindset, attitude and student engagement with university-level mathematics.
Commenting on the Fellowship, he said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship.

"Throughout my time at Cardiff University I have had fantastic opportunities to work with students and colleagues from across the institution, and the wider sector, to drive forward learning and teaching initiatives that have had a positive impact on the student experience.

“I will continue to learn and reflect on these experiences so that we can continue to support students to reach their potential both within higher education and beyond.”

Professor Amanda Coffey, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Student Experience & Academic Standards said: “I extend my warmest congratulations to both Richard and Rob on what is an outstanding achievement. They are extremely dedicated and truly inspirational teachers whose efforts exemplify our mission to provide students with stimulating and intellectually challenging learning opportunities that are aligned with employer needs.”