Faculty of Science and Technology

SciTech Vision is a programme to promote and enhance excellence in learning and teaching for all science and technology students at Lancaster. It seeks to establish a world class learning environment where students are inspired and motivated by the very best teachers.

In line with these aims, a faculty staff prize is awarded annually to early career staff in recognition of excellence in learning and teaching.

There is one prize of £1,000 open to applicants working with either undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Eligible staff

The prize is open to individual or small teams of early career staff in FST who are within their first five years of appointment to a lecturing post (full-time or part-time staff).

Selection criteria

Applications should be based upon a record of teaching and supporting learning within the Faculty of Science and Technology at Lancaster University.

Whilst there isn't a single definition of excellence in learning and teaching, applicants should emphasise activity that, in particular, addresses at least one of the following criteria:

• Approaches to teaching that influence, motivate and inspire students
• Development of curricula and resources that reflect the changing needs of the discipline
• Innovative approaches to teaching methods and the application of a range of media that foster independent learning

Application process

Applicants should produce a statement of no more than four sides of A4 in length that presents their case for this award. The kinds of evidence drawn upon in this application may include:

• Teaching profiles
• Comments from external examiners
• Reports of internal peer review
• Student questionnaires or interview
• The informed opinions of colleagues
• Evidence of developing student support and guidance systems

Each statement of application should be accompanied by a reference from the Head of Department or Director of Teaching.

Successful prize winners must be prepared to:

• Disseminate their activity to the faculty
• Enable others within the faculty to engage with and apply the practice upon which the award is based