A Lancaster University professor has been awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship.

Radka Newton, Professor in Management Education and Innovation at Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), is one of 55 new National Teaching Fellows announced by Advance HE.

Professor Newton, who is an expert in human-centred design, professional learning and educational innovation, said that teaching was her ‘lifelong calling’.

She said: “My journey as an international student and educator across different countries has shown me both the extraordinary richness of cross-cultural learning and the very real challenges that accompany it: isolation, uncertainty, unfamiliar systems, language barriers and the fear that you may not belong. Those experiences have shaped my commitment to creating education that is challenging, inclusive and genuinely attainable, where students develop confidence, belonging and agency.”

Professor Newton described her career as a journey of ‘discovery, experimentation, occasional failure and a great deal of hard work’.

She said: “Most importantly, it has been a journey of connection: with students, colleagues, communities and partners. My greatest fulfilment comes from creating nurturing learning environments and recognising that, as educators, we do not simply teach students—we learn alongside them and from them.”

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme remains one of the UK's highest honours for individuals in higher education, recognising educators who have demonstrated sustained excellence and made outstanding contributions to enhancing the student learning experience.

Professor Newton said: “I am deeply grateful to Lancaster University and Lancaster University Management School for giving me opportunities across both professional services and academic roles to experiment, lead and continue evolving as an educator.

“This award brings enormous joy, but also a profound sense of responsibility. I see it not as the culmination of a journey, but as encouragement to keep going, to support the next generation of educators and learners, and to continue working towards a more inclusive, human and transformative education.”

Professor Alisdair Gillespie, Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at Lancaster University, said: “The award of a National Teaching Fellowship represents the highest form of external recognition to individual educators in UK Higher Education. Radka’s success is richly deserved, and signals not only her sustained excellence in teaching but the kind of scholarly leadership that shapes disciplinary education far beyond her practice at Lancaster. Her award is an outstanding achievement and one that Lancaster is proud of.”

Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HE, said: “Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 National Teaching Fellowships and Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence.

“They exemplify the dedication, creativity and leadership that underpin outstanding higher education. Through their commitment to students and continual enhancement of teaching and learning, they are making a significant contribution to their institutions and the wider sector.

“I am pleased to recognise their achievements and celebrate the impact they have made on students, colleagues and communities throughout the UK.”

Professor Newton will receive the award at a special ceremony in Edinburgh in September.