Student Academic Choice Awards 2015 celebrates Imperial's dedicated staff

College staff were recognised this week at Imperial College Union's annual Student Academic Choice Awards (SACAs)

The award winners were announced on Monday evening in a ceremony held in the Union Concert Hall following a record number of nominations from students. 

ICU Deputy President (Education), Pascal Loose

Presented by Imperial College Union’s Deputy President (Education), Pascal Loose, the SACAs recognise staff for their contributions to education and the student experience at the College. 

The evening featured eight awards, with categories for academic and support staff as well as an award for graduate teaching assistants.

Pascal said: “The aim of the SACAs is for the students to say thank you to the academics and the staff, thank you for being such a great teacher, thank you for giving so much support and for inspiring those they teach every day.”

The awards were established in 2013 by the Union to celebrate staff achievement and share best practice across the College.

Nominations opened in November and this year’s awards saw a record 808 nominations from 568 students, made via the Union’s website – the highest number ever received. 

A judging panel of student representatives narrowed down the nominations to a shortlist of six nominees before choosing the eventual winner.

Dr Steven Cook from the Department of Life Sciences received the award for Best Teaching for Undergraduates. He said: “I was 10% hoping I might win, and 90% sweatily terrified of having to give an acceptance speech. I am so grateful to all those students who nominated me for this award and to all those colleagues and friends without whose support I couldn’t teach at all.”

Dr Steve Cook collecting his award from Biochemistry Departmental Rep, Alex Nash

Claudia Schulz from the Department of Computing received the award for Best Graduate Teaching Assistant. She said:  "Winning the award was overwhelming and I didn't expect it. I used some new technologies in my tutorials and it's always dangerous to try new things but I'm glad the students appreciated it.The award is now sitting behind my screen so I can see it as I work."

Claudia Schulz collecting her award from Chemical Engineering Departmental Rep, Rachel Hounslow

Speaking at the event Imperial’s Provost, Professor James Stirling, said: “This evening we have seen some wonderful examples of great practice. Our task now will be, with your help, to spread this great practice right across the College so that together we can create a community of people with the passion, ability and commitment to secure our position as one of the world’s great universities.”