The awards celebrate individuals and teams making a significant contribution to teaching, learning and student outcomes across UK higher education.

Associate Professor of Biomedical Science Ian Davies MBE received a National Teaching Fellowship and the Staffordshire Games Institute received a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) at a special ceremony held in Edinburgh on 26 September.

Ian was recognised for his leadership and innovation in biomedical science education, including his work developing the University of Staffordshire’s Biomedical Science Degree Apprenticeship, which now works with more than 30 NHS trusts and supports more than 150 apprentices.

Ian said: “I am extremely proud to have been presented with my Advance HE National Teaching Fellowship alongside colleagues from University of Staffordshire and from across the UK.

“To see our commitment to developing the future scientific workforce recognised nationally is a huge honour. I am particularly proud of the impact our practice-based approach has had on widening access to education and developing work-ready graduates.

“This award is a recognition of all the fantastic colleagues, students and NHS partners who have helped to shape and deliver our biomedical science education.”

The Advance HE Awards add to a string of national successes this year recognising University of Staffordshire’s commitment to career-focused education – including being named University of the Year at the Academic Employability Awards 2026 and Modern University of the Year 2027 by Daily Mail University Guide.

The latest HESA Graduate Outcomes data also shows that almost nine in 10 University of Staffordshire graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of completing their course.

Staffordshire Games Institute received its CATE for its Connected-Careers strategy, which brings together academic staff, professional services, careers, placements and industry partners to embed career development throughout students’ studies.

The initiative has supported 158 paid student placements through the 1UP scheme, matched 122 students with industry mentors and delivered 300 mock interviews involving 64 industry professionals. It has also connected 272 students with an average of 88 employers through graduate showcases.

Professor Chris Headleand, Head of Staffordshire Games Institute, said: “Being awarded the Advance HE CATE is one of the proudest moments of my career. The Staffordshire Games Institute is an exceptional team of educators, and to see them recognised by one of the most prestigious awards in higher education is a wonderful reflection of their talent, dedication and commitment to our students.

“I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together at University of Staffordshire, and even prouder of the people who make it all possible. This award belongs to every member of the team who has contributed to making the Institute what it is today.”

This year, the Advance HE Teaching Excellence Awards celebrated 55 National Teaching Fellows and 15 CATE-winning teams.

Addressing guests at the special event, Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HE, said: “At this time of year we are beginning to see new cohorts of students arrive at universities across the UK, at the very start of experiences that will shape their thinking, their choices and their future. Excellent teaching sits at the centre of that.

“National Teaching Fellows and CATE recipients aren’t simply being recognised for excellent teaching today; you’re helping to lead the sector’s thinking on how we prepare students for what comes next.

“Sharing that thinking is something all of us in this room have a stake in, to give colleagues and students alike the support they need.”

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