Professor Payam Soulatiantork Awarded Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy
Following the 2026 Fellowship panels, Professor Payam Soulatiantork has been awarded Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA), one of the highest recognitions of educational leadership in higher education.
A Principal Fellowship recognises a sustained record of strategic leadership and influence on teaching and learning, demonstrating impact beyond an individual's own practice to shape educational policy, practice and culture at institutional and sector level.
Payam was recognised for his significant contributions to engineering education through curriculum innovation, digital learning, student experience enhancement and university–industry collaboration. Over several years, he has played a leading role in developing and delivering engineering and automation programmes that respond to emerging technologies and evolving industry needs, helping to ensure graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills required for a rapidly changing profession.
Achieving Principal Fellowship is a tremendous honour and a meaningful recognition of the work I have been privileged to undertake alongside colleagues, students, and partners over many years. For me, PFHEA is not simply a personal milestone; it reflects a commitment to educational leadership, innovation, and supporting others to succeed. I look forward to continuing to enhance engineering education, mentor colleagues, and help ensure our graduates are equipped to thrive and lead in an increasingly digital and rapidly evolving world."
Professor Payam Soulatiantork
Reflecting on his award.
Alongside his work in curriculum development, Payam has championed the integration of advanced digital technologies into teaching and learning, supported colleagues through mentoring and Fellowship applications and contributed to educational enhancement initiatives both within the University of Sheffield and across the wider higher education sector.
His leadership has also extended to national curriculum transformation projects, supporting universities across the UK in embedding industry-relevant skills, practices and technologies within engineering programmes.
Payam's award reflects both his personal commitment to educational excellence and the growing impact of engineering education leadership within the Faculty of Engineering. His achievement further strengthens the University's reputation for innovation in teaching, learning and student experience, while highlighting the important role educational leadership plays in shaping the future of engineering education.