Professor Danijela Serbic from the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway has been shortlisted for the award of Most Innovative Teacher of the Year by the prestigious THE Awards 2024, widely known as the "Oscars of higher education".
The Most Innovative Teacher of the Year award recognises the academic whose imagination and passion have transformed a course and inspired students.
During a period of time when higher education poses uncertainties for both staff and students, Dr Danijela Serbic has developed innovated approaches and opportunities to enhance the career development of students and the staff who educate them.
Through her teaching and coordination of the psychology final year research project, Danijela has embedded employability through the 3R model she developed: Recognise, Reflect, Relate. Danijela established and leads the group THESIS: Teaching in Higher Education: Supporting and Inspiring Students (THESIS).
This pedagogic group has a multifaceted approach to supporting the career development of education focused academic staff, and in turn supporting the academic development, employability and wellbeing of students. THESIS provides infrastructure and support in developing pedagogic research and translating these findings into educational practice, along with providing opportunities for students to co-produce events to support student employability and wellbeing.
Dr Danijela Serbic said: “I am honoured to be shortlisted for this prestigious teaching award. It is a privilege to have my dedication to education recognised, and it inspires me to continue supporting psychology education and the career development of my students and colleagues.”
John Gill, Times Higher Education editor, said:
“This year’s THE Awards mark the 20th anniversary of the event, which over the last two decades has celebrated the wonderful achievements of a sector that has undergone extraordinary transformation without ever losing sight of the vital role it plays across the UK and Ireland.
“In 2024 it’s fair to say that higher education is going through a challenging period, but these awards are a constant reminder that we should never underestimate the dedication and drive of those who work in our universities to transforming lives for the better.
“Enthusiasm for these awards as a way to celebrate those achievements remains undimmed, with more entries in our 20th year than ever before.
“Our sincere congratulations to all those shortlisted in such a competitive year – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage, and we very much look forward to celebrating with you all at our 20th birthday party in Birmingham on 28 November.”
The winners will be revealed on 28 November 2024.
