Prestigious National Teaching Fellowship awarded to two UCL educators

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS) recognises, rewards and celebrates colleagues who have made outstanding contributions to education and student outcomes in higher education.   

We are delighted that two senior educators from UCL have received awards this year. Here, we share an overview of their work and the achievements that have led to these coveted teaching awards.   

Professor Lynn Ang 

Professor of Early Childhood Education and Vice-Dean (Research) at UCL Institute of Education 

A deeply respected academic and leader, Professor Lynn Ang has played a crucial role in transforming the experience and learning of students nationally and internationally in Higher Education, always with a clear focus on education and students’ long-term success. Throughout her career, she has repeatedly gone beyond the scope of her role, taking a creative and determined approach to improving student learning and leading the way in bringing research and education together. 

Professor Ang’s commitment to equity is central to her work at UCL. She has consistently sought to level the playing field both for ‘traditional hard-to-reach’ groups as well as groups who are often overlooked, such as teaching colleagues in a research-intensive environment. She expertly identifies who needs targeted support to enrich student learning and colleagues’ success, and creates ongoing structures to support research-informed education rather than ad hoc or short-lived solutions. 

Professor Ang’s influence reaches far beyond UCL, shaping national policy through her work with the Research Excellence Framework and transforming new thinking and educational practice in the Early Childhood field, as well as driving cultural change through international collaborations. 

“I am deeply honoured to receive the National Teaching Fellowship Award. At the heart of my career over the last twenty-five years is a commitment to research-informed education and bridging the divide between educational practice and academic research. My work is driven by the principle that meaningful learning and impact happens when evidence, practice and policy inform each other. Thank you to all my incredible colleagues and fellow educators who continue to champion excellence and innovation in education - this award is a tribute to your inspirational work.” – Lynn Ang 

Vice-Provost (Education & Student Experience) Professor Kathy Armour says:   

It is the hard work of talented, sensitive and determined people like Professor Ang that underpins UCL’s reputation and standing. She has gone above and beyond what appears within reach.” 

Dr Danielle Tran 

Deputy Director of UCL Higher Education Development and Support Institute (HEDS) and Associate Professor (Teaching) 

Dr Danielle Tran has been recognised for her outstanding leadership in educational development and her transformative impact across multiple institutions, most recently at UCL.   

Dr Tran joined UCL in 2024 and started as she means to go on, strategically influencing our Curriculum Design Principles almost on arrival, and bringing a fresh and informed view to everything we do through her role as Deputy Director of HEDS. Since joining UCL, Dr Tran has brought a bold and strategic vision to the university’s education agenda, playing a pivotal role in shaping the implementation of UCL’s Strategic Plan 2022-27. Her work has already begun to influence curriculum design, student partnership, and inclusive teaching practices across all faculties.   

Dr Tran’s Teaching, Relationships, Activity, and Assessment model (TRAAC) has gained national traction for its student-centred approach. Her commitment to equity and inclusion is evident in her work to address awarding gaps, support marginalised staff and students, and enhance the experience of Postgraduate Researchers and Postgraduate Teaching Assistants.   

Vice-Provost (Education & Student Experience) Professor Kathy Armour says:   

Dr Danielle Tran does so much more than the obvious, again and again, in thinking about what education could and can be, and how it can be genuinely for the good of all.” 

 

How can you gain recognition for your achievements in education  

UCL Arena Fellowship   

Through the UCL Arena Fellowship, all staff who teach or support students’ learning, can gain Higher Education Academic (HEA) accreditation through AdvanceHE. Staff can gain Fellowship in one of four categories, dependent on experience:   

• Associate Fellowship   
• Fellowship   
• Senior Fellowship   
• Principal Fellowship   

UCL selects its nominees from the pool of those holding Principal Fellowship of the HEA. 

For more information about fellowship, please see the Principal Fellow Moodle page.  

Book an upcoming initial guidance session to find out more.   

About the National Teaching Fellowship scheme  

The National Teaching Fellowship scheme celebrates and recognises individuals who have made an outstanding impact on student outcomes and the teaching profession in higher education. Each year, institutions can nominate up to three individuals. The award has been running since 2000 and there are now over one thousand National Teaching Fellows, with a maximum of 55 individuals receiving the award each year.