Innovative academic shortlisted for higher education ‘Oscar’

Simon, Principal Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, is one of just six academics from across the UK in the running for the award - considered the Oscars of the higher education community.

"I am absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award!" said Simon who is Chair of Sustainability Action at the University . "Surprised obviously, but genuinely thrilled."

Simon was nominated for the Times Higher Education award by University Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Education, Professor Alex Neill, who praised his ability to channel his passion for his field into effective student-focussed teaching.

"It's very good to see Simon's work as an educator recognised once again at national level; being short-listed for the THE award is a real achievement," said Professor Neill.

Simon is known to students and colleagues as a passionate and committed educator. His work has previously received recognition at national level through the award of a National Teaching Fellowship by the Higher Education Academy. He is currently involved with the HEA as the national Academic Lead in Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), guiding and raising the profile of ESD in the UK academic community.

Since the mid-1990s, Simon has led and contributed to numerous sustainability projects across the University of Southampton, including the University's Sustainability Action programme (previously Green Academy), which is working towards placing sustainability within the CORE (Curriculum Operations Research and Experience) of the University.

"I am passionate about my teaching and I always seek to provide a rich and rewarding learning experience for our students," he enthused. "I constantly strive to innovate in my teaching and assessment, and to deliver both in a manner that challenges and inspires students to perform at the highest possible level.

"My aim for each module I teach is to equip our students with the skills they will need to thrive in the workplace, whilst making a positive contribution towards solving the world's problems," Simon concluded. "Education for social and environmental good is not simply altruistic, it can be genuinely transformative for students, and that what I aspire to provide in my work.

This year's Times Higher Education Awards will be presented in London on Thursday, 28 November.