Brighton chemistry professor receives teaching innovation accolade

Professor Patel's honour highlighted his work in the “design of innovative and effective analytical chemistry curriculums”, creating approaches that have been widely adopted beyond Brighton both to educate staff on improved ways of teaching and enhance student engagement and satisfaction. In addition to regular invitations to share his teaching insights at conferences, Professor Patel's teaching models have been implemented by institutions in the USA, Switzerland and Bangladesh among others.

One of Professor Patel's initiatives was the introduction of learning activities inspired by the TV show The Apprentice, which he called the Analyst Laboratory Challenge – a real-life work-based approach which received media coverage from the BBC, Guardian and Times Higher Education, and which both students and employers praised for significantly boosting employability.

Professor Bhavik Patel

Since 2010, meanwhile, Professor Patel has taught over 2,500 students using modes of learning such as pre-laboratory e-learning and mini-lectures, which 95% of students said they preferred to conventional delivery. Student attendances rose 10% during this period, while grades rose 16%. Students also said they found Professor Patel's approaches boosted their sense of inclusivity.

Professor Patel has also been highly active for many years raising the profile of chemistry through extracurricular activities which boost awareness of its relevance to wider society. He launched an outreach programme in 2013, highlighting elements of chemistry that impact our everyday lives, such as point of care diagnostics for the developing world, counterfeit medicines and nanotechnology.

Professor Patel's award recognises him as a world-leading innovative educator, a champion for quality and diversity, and a powerful advocate for raising the profile of chemistry to inspire future generations.

Professor Patel, Professor of Clinical and Bioanalytical Chemistry in the University of Brighton's School of Applied Sciences, said: “It is a real honour, and I am deeply humbled to be selected for this award. This recognition means a lot to me as I have been highly passionate in designing innovative and effective teaching activities to ensure students have the best learning experience and are able to gain key skills to enhance their employability.”