HE Biosciences Teacher of the Year 2024
Huge Congratulations to Dr Carys Watts who has been awarded the HE Biosciences Teacher of the Year at the recent RSB HUBS meeting.
Dr Carys Watts, Senior Lecturer and Director of Engagement in the School of Biomedical, Nutritional & Sports Sciences has won the Higher Education Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award 2024 by the Royal Society of Biology.
The award recognises leading educators at UK universities, highlighting the invaluable role they play in teaching and inspiring the next generation.
Dr Watts was selected as the winner from an impressive shortlist of three candidates. She teaches across the undergraduate biomedical sciences curricula, runs the commended Business Enterprise for the Biosciences module, delivers teaching at Master’s level and has a keen interest in staff enterprise development activities. Carys is a microbiologist who combines scientific experimentation with creativity and innovation in her teaching. She specialises in bioscience outreach innovation and development of inclusive, sustainable practical laboratory activities, recently developing a new international virtual exchange in bioengineering and health.
Dr Watts said:
“I am thrilled to have won the HE Bioscience Teacher of the Year Award 2024. Getting shortlisted was fantastic and being able to present my teaching methodology to Heads of University Biosciences (HUBS) colleagues was a great experience. I hope to keep inspiring young bioscientists to not fear failure but to learn from it to develop, and that more colleagues will consider applying for the award and disseminating their achievements”.
Dr Watts uses educational play and ikigai-based values (a concept which encourages people to discover what really matters to them and gives their life meaning) to reduce the perceived distance between teach and learner. This approach encourages and motivates students to learn, creating a cohesive, trusting and supportive learning environment.
Professor Emma Stevenson, Head of School of Biomedical, Nutritional and Sports Sciences, said:
“I am delighted that Carys has received this award in recognition of her contributions to Biosciences education. It is a great achievement for Carys and the Faculty.”