Two Open University Academics win prestigious teaching award

Posted on 7 August 2025 • University news

Two Open University academics have been honoured with a National Teaching Fellowship from the Advance HE Teaching Excellence Awards 2025.

Diane Butler, Professor of STEM Education, and Professor Carlton Wood, Head of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems, have both received National Teaching Fellowships, in recognition of their outstanding impact on student outcomes and advancing teaching in higher education.

On receiving the accolade, Professor Diane Butler said:

“To be recognized by Advance HE means a great deal. This award feels like an important affirmation, not just for me, but for The Open University’s approach. It’s a valuable acknowledgement that our commitment to open, flexible learning, and the dedicated work of our teaching staff, stands up among the best. It reinforces that our unique mission is truly making a difference.”

Professor Carlton Wood, said:

“I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship by my external peers in this way. The award not only reflects my own contribution to student support, teaching and assessment, but also the help, support and encouragement of colleagues over the years to reach this particular point in my career.

At The Open University, I’m surrounded by colleagues who have got masses of experience in teaching and providing exceptionally high-quality learning to students. I hope my Fellowship award goes some way to getting that message out onto the national and international stage, but I also hope it also encourages colleagues to put themselves forward for their own work to be recognised in this way.

 

Professor Josie Fraser, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said:

“As sponsor of the OU Teaching and Learning Plan, I’m delighted to celebrate our colleagues’ continued success in winning these prestigious teaching excellence awards from Advance HE. Diane and Carlton’s work exemplifies the OU’s dedication to inclusive, innovative teaching that transforms lives. Their achievements reflect not only personal excellence but also the collective strength of our teaching community and it’s inspiring to see the OU’s impact recognised once again. Most importantly, these awards represent the passion and hard work that colleagues across the OU invest every day to help our students thrive.”

There are over 1,198 National Teaching Fellows, with only 55 new awards made each year, making it a significant achievement for all colleagues involved in the highly competitive scheme.

A full list of the 2025 winners of the National Teaching Fellowships and Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence is available on the Advance HE website.