Congratulations to Dr David Smith, who has been recognised with a national award celebrating outstanding achievements in learning and teaching in higher education.

David has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy (HEA) in recognition of how he has influenced teaching practice and inspired learners.

A National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious individual award for excellence in teaching in higher education and is awarded for individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence.

David is a senior lecturer in biochemistry and molecular biology. He is a Senior Fellow of the HEA and has been awarded the student-nominated Inspirational Teaching Award three times.

He received his fellowship for his teaching passion and for his use of active learning techniques including objects and 3D models to stimulate students' imagination.

David said: 'I am totally blown away to be awarded a national teaching fellowship and it is a real honour to have my practice recognised at this level. To know that my teaching is valued by my students and has inspired them to transform themselves makes it all worthwhile.

'The award means a great deal personally as it comes after many years of innovation, wonderful comments from my students and peers and learning from others.'

David will officially receive his award at a ceremony in London in November.