A University of Nottingham academic has received a prestigious Advance HE Award for her outstanding contribution to the teaching profession and impact on student outcomes.
Dr Anna Bertram, Director of Laboratory Teaching in the School of Chemistry has been awarded a 2026 National Teaching Fellowship.
This year, 55 educators have been awarded National Teaching Fellowships, while 15 collaborative teams have received the CATE in recognition of their significant and lasting contributions to student success, innovation and educational practice.
The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme remains one of the UK's highest honours for individuals in higher education, recognising educators who have demonstrated sustained excellence and made outstanding contributions to enhancing the student learning experience.
As Director of Laboratory Teaching in the School of Chemistry, Anna has championed innovative approaches to assessment, reflection and skills development that have enhanced students' engagement with laboratory learning and better prepared them for research and employment.
She also focuses on helping students recognise, develop and articulate the skills they need to succeed in higher education and beyond. She has led the development of skills-focused, reflective practical chemistry curricula that integrate technical, professional and transferable skills throughout the student journey, enabling students to become more independent, confident and self-regulated learners.
Her leadership extends beyond Nottingham. Through her leadership within the Chemistry Teaching in Practice network, Anna works with educators from across the sector and the Royal Society of Chemistry to address shared challenges in laboratory education and develop frameworks that support curriculum design, skills development and more inclusive approaches to practical teaching.
A qualified coach and mentor, Anna is passionate about developing others and creating opportunities for colleagues to lead educational innovation. This coaching-led approach underpins her leadership of the School of Chemistry's award-winning Laboratory Development Team and has helped build capacity for sustainable educational change both within the University and across the wider chemistry education community.
Anna's contributions to chemistry education have previously been recognised through a number of institutional and national awards, including the Royal Society of Chemistry Team Prize for Excellence in Higher Education, University of Nottingham Lord Dearing Awards, and School of Chemistry Teaching Excellence Awards.
I am thrilled to receive a National Teaching Fellowship. My work has always been driven by a desire to help students build confidence, independence and an awareness of the skills they are developing through their studies. I have been fortunate to work alongside outstanding students, colleagues and collaborators, and this award reflects the collective impact of those partnerships in advancing practical chemistry education.
Through her teaching, leadership and national collaborations, Anna continues to advance practical chemistry education, helping students develop the skills, confidence and reflective approaches needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HE, said: "Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 National Teaching Fellowships and Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence."
They exemplify the dedication, creativity and leadership that underpin outstanding higher education. Through their commitment to students and continual enhancement of teaching and learning, they are making a significant contribution to their institutions and the wider sector. I am pleased to recognise their achievements and celebrate the impact they have made on students, colleagues and communities throughout the UK.
The 2026 National Teaching Fellows and CATE recipients will be formally recognised at an awards ceremony on 24 September 2026 in Edinburgh.
