Dr Glenn Hurst Awarded National Teaching Fellowship

Dr Glenn Hurst is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Green Chemistry Centre of Excellence at the University of York, and in receiving the Fellowship becomes one of the youngest academics in the UK to be recognised in this way.

He uses holistic, systems-thinking approaches to equip the scientists, engineers and policymakers of tomorrow with the knowledge and skills to address complex and interdisciplinary global problems. His approach allows students to transition from a surface-level reductionist approach to a deep understanding of subject matter by identifying key thematic connections across disciplines.

Indeed, Glenn is internationally renowned for his work in incorporating Green Chemistry into curricula. His unique approach involves a strong degree of contextualisation, blended with the engagement of students through the integration of innovative technology-enhanced learning methodologies and social media. In this way, he is able to train students to work in teams and prepare them to solve grand challenges as outlined by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

In terms of sharing best practice, Glenn regularly publishes his work with students undertaking education-based research projects and is often invited to talk at international meetings. He regularly facilitates and delivers continuing professional development training in education for colleagues in York and beyond and he chairs the University’s Learning and Teaching Forum, which nurtures and shares creativity and good practice in learning and teaching across the institution.

Reflecting on his award Glenn noted: “I am very grateful for the mentorship and support of colleagues together with the talented students I teach. In the future, I would like to truly transform the international Green Chemistry education community, developing transferable methodologies to implement systems thinking approaches and enhance interdisciplinary learning across a range of programmes.”

Head of Department, Professor Duncan Bruce said: “I am delighted with the news of Glenn’s richly deserved National Teaching Fellowship. Three members of staff in The Department of Chemistry now hold these awards, reflecting the outstanding educators in the Department and the passion we have for providing high quality, innovative education to our students.”

Glenn has previously won multiple national and international awards including the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Higher Education Teaching Award 2020, American Chemical Society Award for Incorporating Sustainability into the Curriculum 2019, Educate North Teaching Excellence High Commendation 2019, Times Higher Education Most Innovative Teacher of the Year Finalist 2018 and JISC HE Social Media Superstar 2017.

The National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) Scheme is organised by Advance HE. Each year it celebrates and recognises around 50 individuals from across the UK who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education.