The University of Western Australia has awarded its highest accolade for excellence in teaching to six exceptional teachers selected from the UWA nominations to the national Australian Learning and Teaching Council Awards.

Two UWA Awards for Excellence in Teaching were presented to Winthrop Professor Lawrie Beilin from the School of Medicine and Pharmacology at the Royal Perth Hospital, and to Environmental Systems Engineer, Professor Carolyn Oldham.

Winthrop Professor Campbell Murdoch from the Rural Clinical School in Bunbury and Assistant Professor Mark Pegrum from UWA's Graduate School of Education both received an Award for Excellence in Teaching (Innovation).

The School of Physics' Winthrop Professor and Australian Research Council Australian Laureate Fellow Mike Tobar received the UWA Award for Excellence in Teaching (Postgraduate Supervision).  

Graduate Education Officer Dr Krystyna Haq was presented with the UWA Award for Excellence in Teaching (Teaching and Learning Support).

In congratulating the award winners, UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson praised their outstanding contribution to the development of future leaders and valued citizens of Australia.

"It is extremely important that we celebrate the achievement of our fine teachers.  We recognise those who are excellent in their own field and those who promote excellence in their work.  In so doing, they have a very positive impact on both our students and the University as a whole," Professor Robson said.

The evening's award ceremony (Wednesday May 5) is one of the highlights of the UWA Teaching and Learning Month, now in its fifth year organised by the Centre for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning.

Media references

Jacqueline Flowers (Centre for Advancement of Teaching and Learning)  (+61 8)  6488 4686
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716