Announced today (Thursday 11 June) Dr Atlay is just one of 55 higher education staff to have received the award this year; the most prestigious awards for excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning.

Dr Atlay has responsibility for curriculum development, the use of technology to support learning and for the development of academic staff at the University. His nomination had to show evidence of three criteria: individual excellence, raising the profile of excellence and developing excellence.

Mary Malcolm, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University, said: “This award is well deserved. Mark's values are clear; he cares about learners and their experiences and believes passionately in the transformative potential of higher education.

“His colleagues at Bedfordshire will celebrate with him this testimony to his immense contribution to our academic development.”

Dr Atlay employs a creative and collaborative approach to exploring learning and teaching issues. A new member of academic staff at the University said: “One indicator of an effective teacher is how they challenge and inspire students to take the extra steps that put them on their own learning paths, and then enable them to share their learning with others; something Mark encouraged me to achieve personally, whilst teaching me to facilitate such experiences for others.”

On hearing of his award, Dr Atlay said:

“I am delighted and honoured to receive this award. It’s recognition of the outstanding teaching that goes on day in and day out across the University.”

The successful National Teaching Fellows (NTFs) were chosen from over 180 nominations submitted by higher education institutions across England, Northern Ireland and Wales.

The scheme is funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales and the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland. It is open to staff whose teaching or support roles enhance the student learning experience.

Professor Stephanie Marshall, Chief Executive of the HEA, said: “The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme celebrates outstanding achievement in learning and teaching in higher education.

“Each year when I read about our new National Teaching Fellows what stands out for me are the comments made by their students, who describe them as innovative, engaging, entertaining, genuine, and passionate about teaching. This year is no exception. The new 2015 National Teaching Fellows we honour today are truly deserving of the award.”

The awards will be formally presented at a celebration event to be held at Liverpool Cathedral in October.