Dr Matt Mears, Senior University Teacher in Physics and Faculty Director for EDI and Wellbeing, has been awarded the prestigious Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA).
Principal Fellowship, awarded by the organisation Advanced HE, recognises a sustained record of effectiveness in strategic leadership of high-quality learning.
Dr Mears has received the award in recognition of the work he has done in inclusive education and EDI.
This has included developing EDI training for Graduate Teaching Assistants across Science and Engineering, embedding diversity monitoring and reviews into the institutional HEA scheme and leading changes to how students are supported in disclosing preferred names and pronunciation, pronouns, disabilities and access to technology - particularly during lockdowns.
"I'm honoured and excited to have been recognised for my sustained leadership in education,” said Dr Mears.
“Creating inclusive and accessible education for all is at the heart of my job, and I'm proud to have worked with so many fantastic colleagues to change our education for the better."
Principal Fellow is part of the University’s Higher Education Academy (HEA) recognition scheme. University staff who teach and support learning can apply for recognition at different levels from Associate Fellow through to Principal Fellow. Elevate runs the scheme and provides a wide range of support for applications at all levels. Matt is one of a small number of staff at the University who have been awarded Principal Fellow status.