Outstanding UQ educators recognised for excellence in teaching

Emerging academics whose innovative teaching approaches are shaping the next generation of professionals have been recognised in 2026 University of Queensland Awards for Teaching Excellence.

The awards, which celebrate outstanding contributions to student learning and teaching, were announced at a ceremony on November 2, marking the beginning of UQ's annual Teaching and Learning (T&L) Week.

Two teachers from the School of Education received Early Career Awards for Teaching Excellence.

Dr Emily Ross was recognised for her work helping future teachers build confidence in science education.

Dr Ross’ approach is to make the thinking, relationships and decision-making that underpin quality teaching practice more visible.

Dr Ren Perkins was recognised for building culturally safe learning environments through Indigenous-informed teaching methods.

Dr Perkins’ work helps students develop the confidence, cultural humility and professional capability required for respectful practice in their careers.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Kris Ryan congratulated this year’s award recipients across the University. 

"Dr Ross and Dr Perkins represent the outstanding emerging talent in our teaching community,” Professor Ryan said.

“The quality of nominations at the early-career level was particularly noteworthy, with the selection committees recommending more recipients than previous years.

"A recurring characteristic for this year’s nominations was impact extending beyond a single course or teaching context, creating benefits for students, colleagues and the broader University community."

Professor Ryan said the awards showcased UQ's commitment to delivering outstanding learning experiences and supporting innovation in education.

"Our educators make significant contributions to student success through creative, evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning," he said.

"This embodies the spirit of Teaching and Learning Week and demonstrates the lasting impact exceptional educators can have on their students and disciplines."

Full list of award recipients

UQ Awards for Teaching Excellence

• Associate Professor Rachel Fitzgerald, Faculty of Business, Economics and Law

• Dr Kate McLay, School of Education

• Dr Emily Ross, School of Education (Early Career)

• Dr Ren Perkins, School of Education (Early Career)

Commendation for Teaching Excellence

• Dr Awais Saleem Babri, School of Biomedical Science

UQ Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning

• Clinical Authentic Response Education in Dentistry: Dr Sowmya Shetty, Dr Jessica Zachar, School of Dentistry

• The Public Health Foundations Team: Associate Professor Lisa Fitzgerald, Associate Professor Allyson Mutch, Dr Clare Hannan-Jones, Kate Hannan, Tara Caterina Kwan, School of Public Health, Dr David Rowland, Dr Kevan Walter Jones, Student Support and Wellbeing Services, Sally Casey, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Sciences, Lars Eriksson, UQ Library

Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Student Learning in the General Nomination Category

• Dr Jie Wang, UQ Business School
• Dr Min Jung Jee, School of Languages and Cultures
• Dr Suzanne Bonner, School of Economics
• Dr Rosemary Gibson, TC Beirne School of Law (Early Career)
• Dr Caroline Knight, UQ Business School (Early Career)
• Dr Hao Tran, School of Languages and Cultures (Early Career)
• Lauren Cox, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences / Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation (Early Career)
• The Engineers with Empathy Team: Professor Darren Martin, Dr Celine Chaleat, Dr Hima Haridevan, School of Chemical Engineering
• The Grotesque Quest Team: Dr Gemma Irving, Sean Mitchell, UQ Business School

Commendation for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Student Learning in the General Nomination Category

• UQx Statistics for Business Analysts Team: Dr Temesgen Kifle, School of Economics, Dr Neville Smith, Ben Cossalter, Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation

Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Student Learning in the Tutor Nomination Category

• James Boyce, UQ Business School
• Cate MacColl, School of Psychology
• Bradley Welch, School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences
• Pierce Wilcox, School of Communication and Arts

Commendation for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Student Learning in the Tutor Nomination Category

• Ella Cathcart-van Weeren, School of the Environment

Commendation for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Student Learning: Learning Design Category

• UQ Business School Learning Design Team: Dr Sarah Woodland, Anna Black, Evangelene Dickson, Carrie Finn, Sean Mitchell, Victoria Rosa Sturley, Blake Stockton, Fiona Stroud, Ryan Waters, UQ Business School