Southampton’s own Simon Kemp has been named ‘Most Innovative Teacher of the Year’ by the Times Higher Education magazine, considered the Oscars of the higher education community.
Simon, Principal Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, is known to students and colleagues as a passionate and committed educator. His work has previously received recognition at national level through the award of a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy. He is currently involved with the HEA as the national Academic Lead in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), guiding and raising the profile of ESD in the UK academic community.
“I am absolutely delighted to win such a prestigious award!” said Simon who is also Chair of Sustainability Action at the University. “I am passionate about my teaching and I always seek to provide a rich and rewarding learning experience for our students.
Simon was nominated for the Times Higher Education award by University Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Education, Professor Alex Neill, who praised his ability to channel his passion for his field into effective student-focussed teaching.
“It’s very good to see Simon’s work as an educator recognised once again at national level; winning the THE award is a real achievement of which the University is extremely proud,” said Professor Neill.
In addition to his academic role at the University, Simon has also led and contributed to numerous sustainability projects including Southampton’s Sustainability Action programme (previously Green Academy), which is working towards placing sustainability within the CORE (Curriculum Operations Research and Experience) of the University.