This year, the Staff Awards received an unprecedented 66 nominations, all of an incredibly high standard. However, Dr Vesna Najdanovic (Engineering) staved off stiff competition and received the prestigious Pilkington Teaching Award.

Dr Najdanovic commented: “I am very delighted to have been awarded the Pilkington Teaching Award this year, for implementation of innovative teaching strategy - team-based learning for first year engineering students. It certainly is a privilege to be recognised in this way and, to be honest, I do feel quite stunned.”

Dr Lynne Blair, Mr James Devine, Dr Joe Finney, Dr Sobia Khan and Mrs Lorraine Underwood, of the Computing at Schools Team in SCC, were also recognised for their excellent work, receiving the Outstanding Contribution Team Award.

The Chemistry Department also received high praise this year. Dr Vilius Franckevicius was highly commended in the We Are Lancaster category, and the Chemistry Outreach Team, Ms Rachel Bashforth, Dr John Baum and Ms Jessica Mehers, were highly commended in the Outstanding Contribution Team category.

The awards are a celebration of inclusivity, excellence, innovation, and outstanding contribution. This year, winners are invited to attend a Staff Awards Dinner and will be commemorated in the 2017 summer graduation ceremonies.