Two educators from University of Staffordshire have received one of UK higher education’s top honours.
Associate Professor Ian Davies MBE is one of 55 people across the country to be awarded National Teaching Fellowships in Advance HE’s Teaching Excellence Awards 2026, while Staffordshire Games Institute is one of 15 collaborative teams to receive the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence.
The awards celebrate those shaping the future of teaching and learning across UK higher education.
Ian joined the university in 2015 after 20 years as an NHS Biomedical Scientist. He went on to establish the organisation’s Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship, now England’s leading programme, working with more than 30 NHS trusts and supporting over 150 apprentices.
He was named National Biomedical Scientist of the Year in 2023 and awarded an MBE last year for services to NHS diagnostic pathology and biomedical science education.
Ian said: “I’m delighted to be awarded a National Teaching Fellowship as it recognises the national impact we have made to biomedical science education at the University of Staffordshire and my personal commitment to widening access to education.
“The expertise in applying practice-based education gained through our degree apprenticeship programme leads the way in developing work-ready graduates and it is fantastic that this has been nationally recognised by this award.”
Meanwhile, Staffordshire Games Institute was recognised for its Connected-Careers strategy, which brings together university staff and industry partners to improve students’ career prospects.
The initiative has delivered 300 mock interviews with 64 industry professionals, supported 158 paid placements, matched 122 students with industry mentors and connected 272 students with an average of 88 employers through graduate showcases.
Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, said: “Our aim has always been to make industry opportunities accessible to every student, regardless of background while strengthening partnerships with games studios through mentoring, live projects, placements and professional engagement initiatives.
“The success of Connected-Careers shows what can be achieved when education and industry work together to remove barriers and create genuine pathways into careers. This award is a testament to collaborative effort of colleagues across the University and beyond behind this approach.”
Professor Raheel Nawaz, Pro Vice Chancellor at University of Staffordshire, described the awards as a “tremendous” achievement and said the university is proud of the educators’ “outstanding” contribution to learning and teaching.
He added: “These awards also reinforce our commitment to employability and providing students with an exceptional education that is informed by industry, driven by innovation and focused on graduate success.”
