Dr Sophie Rutschmann has been awarded a coveted National Teaching Fellowship by AdvanceHE.

Dr Rutschmann, Reader in Immunology in the Department of Immunology and Inflammation, is one of fifty-five new National Teaching Fellows and only the fourth member of Imperial staff to have received the award. 

A National Teaching Fellowship is the most prestigious individual award for excellence in teaching in UK higher education, recognising outstanding achievement in learning and teaching. Recipients become part of a community of over 1000 National Teaching Fellows representing more than 40 discipline areas from institutions across the country. 

Commenting on her award, Dr Rutschmann said: “I feel extremely honoured to have been awarded this NTF and to join a community of educators who are deploying their creativity to enhance Higher Education in the UK and worldwide. I am very much looking forward to interacting with them, sharing some of the great approaches we use and learning about theirs!  

“This award also recognises the support I have received from past and present colleagues, the opportunity we are provided at Imperial to interact with exceptional students, and the work we all do in training the next generation of scientists.”  

"I feel extremely honoured...to join a community of educators who are deploying their creativity to enhance Higher Education in the UK and worldwide." Dr Sophie Rutschmann

The award recognises Sophie’s role in the development of Medicine education at the university. She uses her dual expertise in research and higher education to passionately advocate imbedding authentic aspects of the scientific community in the classroom to develop students’ knowledge as well as critical thinking skills. With her students, she continuously innovates by creating authentic learning events to develop their fundamental knowledge and consolidate their practical and thinking skills. In particular, she has implemented a student-centred taught laboratory module in which students design, execute, analyse, and troubleshoot their own mini-research project, and has designed a module during which students teams attend a national Immunology conference to investigate a topic and report their findings.

Making an impact

The evidenced positive impact of several of Sophie’s approaches on students’ learning and teachers’ enjoyment has encouraged others to adapt and implement them in other taught programmes at Imperial and beyond.

Sophie’s impact has also not been limited to the classroom. She uses her experience as a mother and successful female scientist to mentor others. She is also extremely passionate about providing a professional environment for her colleagues to deliver their work, enhance their practice, thrive professionally, and feel part of a community of educators. Using her current academic leadership position within Imperial’s Faculty of Medicine, Sophie has also driven the creation of a new Digital Education Office which not only supports the delivery and enhancement of existing degrees, but also has capacity to develop new courses and programmes. Importantly, it provides a community for digital experts to collaborate and develop professionally.   

Most recently, she received the British Society for Immunology first teaching excellence award in recognition of her impact on immunology teaching both in the MSc programme she leads, but also worldwide with the development of very successful immunology open content courses available for free to thousands of learners. 

Celebrating excellence

Professor Ian Walmsley, Imperial’s Provost said:  “Dr Sophie Rutschmann's recognition at the National Teaching Fellow awards highlights her exceptional contributions to medical education. Her innovative teaching methods, dedication to student-centred learning, and commitment to professional development have profoundly impacted students and colleagues alike. By fostering a supportive and collaborative educational environment, Sophie not only enhances learning experiences but also drives positive change within the academic community. This prestigious award celebrates her tireless efforts and significant achievements in advancing education. 

“This accolade also showcases Imperial’s dedication to excellence in teaching and the nurturing of talent. Dr. Rutschmann's achievements serve as an inspiration to both faculty and students, reinforcing our reputation as a leading centre for educational innovation and professional growth. Her success is a testament to the collaborative spirit and high standards that define Imperial, highlighting the university's commitment to cultivating an environment where educators and learners thrive together.” 

"Dr. Rutschmann's achievements are testament to the collaborative spirit and high standards that define Imperial, highlighting the university's commitment to cultivating an environment where educators and learners thrive together." Professor Ian Walmsley Provost

The Fellowship will be officially presented at a formal celebration event in Edinburgh in October 2024. On announcing this year’s Fellowship recipients Alison Johns, AdvanceHE Chief Executive said: “AdvanceHE has the privilege of running these prestigious awards on behalf of the sector and we are extremely proud of the way these teams and individuals enhance the quality of teaching in higher education.

“We know that higher education has the power to transform lives but this doesn’t happen by default. Outstanding teaching is the result of knowledge, commitment, passion, energy and creativity. All of these 2024 winners demonstrate these attributes and put them into practice with excellent results.   

“It is vital for student success that we invest in higher education teaching and promote the value of excellence.”