The Laboratory Development Team at the University of Nottingham's School of Chemistry has been named winner of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Team Prize for Excellence in Higher Education in recognition of brilliance in chemistry education.
The team won the prize for dedication to crafting an innovative, skills-focussed, digitally-enhanced practical chemistry curriculum to hone student skills and prepare them for a diverse range of careers.
The team receives £3000, a team trophy, and a certificate. Each team member also receives an individual token of recognition.
The University of Nottingham Laboratory Development Team develop new activities to equip undergraduate chemistry students with practical and transferable skills for a diverse range of careers. The activities encourage students to think critically to solve problems in a reflective way to foster a habit of lifelong learning.
Creating resources and activities that genuinely boost students' skills and confidence is a privilege in itself. Having our contributions recognised by the professional chemistry community makes it even more fulfilling.
Professor Peter License, Head of the School of Chemistry added: "I am thrilled to see innovation in teaching being recognised by our professional body, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). The laboratory innovation team, here at Nottingham have led on the design and development of an internationally recognised series of laboratory exercises that consolidate core competencies while ensuring engagement and enjoyment. I am confident that our graduates leave Nottingham with the "chemical sciences toolkit" that is required to address global scale challenges including the provision of safer medicines, smarter materials and next generation batteries to drive society."
Dr Helen Pain, Chief Executive of the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: "The chemical sciences are at the forefront of tackling a range of challenges facing our world. From fundamental chemistry to cutting-edge innovations, the work that chemical scientists do has an important role to play in building our future.
"The inspiration, innovation and dedication of those who work in education is fundamental to the progress of the chemical sciences – shaping the future and setting our young people up to tackle the challenges and the opportunities facing our society and our planet.
"The team's work demonstrates an outstanding commitment to chemistry education, and it is our honour to celebrate their considerable contribution."
The Royal Society of Chemistry's prizes have recognised excellence in the chemical sciences for more than 150 years. This year's winners join a prestigious list of past winners in the RSC's prize portfolio, 60 of whom have gone on to win Nobel Prizes for their work, including 2022 Nobel Laureate Carolyn Bertozzi and 2019 Nobel laureate John B Goodenough.
The Excellence in Education Prizes celebrate inspirational, innovative, and dedicated people working in primary, secondary, further education and higher education – including teachers, technicians and more. These prizes recognise a wide range of skills – from curriculum design to effective teaching, and from personal development to working culture. This category includes specific prizes for teams and for those in the early stages of their career.
