MEd students presented and debated new teaching insights at their annual prize-giving ceremony on 13 November.

Striving for success

The evening's first research presentation was by Dr Magda Charalambous from the Department of Life Sciences. Dr Charalambous discussed the findings of her qualitative and quantitative research into the academic and social self-efficacy of students in Life Sciences.

Professor Alan Spivey then presented the Rees Rawlings prize for best Postgraduate Certificate Portfolio to Dr Anne Burke-Gaffney. Dr Burke-Gaffney's work was praised for its insightful reflection and critical engagement with the literature.

The second research presentation was by Dr Sophie Rutschmann from the Department of Medicine. Dr Rutschmann, who leads Imperial’s MSc Immunology, described the journey PhD students take to become active members of their community of practice in the lab environment and become critical thinkers.

The Postgraduate Diploma prize for best library project was presented to Dr Ravi Parekh, from the Department of Primary Care and Public Health. Ravi’s project was selected for its robust grounding in both theory and his own professional practice.

The final award of the evening was presented to Dr Andy McKeown, from the Department of Primary Care and Public Health. Dr McKeown was commended for his authentic engagement with study participants. 

Imperial's new Centre for Higher Education Research & Scholarship

Professor Martyn Kingsbury closed the evening by thanking all those who presented, attended and took part in the MEd programme.

He said: "The more I talk to people both in the UK and across the world, the more that I realise how special our MEd is.

"Lots of institutions have taught programmes, but often they’re aimed at just providing required training or certification – precious few are as transformational as ours."

Professor Kingsbury also discussed the new Centre for Higher Education Research and Scholarship, which will transformational for the student learning experience. Those interested in educational research, whether already conducting it or thinking of starting out, were encouraged to join CHERSNet to meet and share ideas within Imperial’s educational community.