Ulster University is delighted that Dr Sian-Lee Ewan, Deputy Head of the Ulster University School of Medicine, has been named a recipient of a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF), one of the UK's most prestigious awards for excellence in higher education teaching and leadership.
Concurrently, Ulster University's Wellbeing and Belonging Leadership Network (WBLN) has received a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE), recognising outstanding collaborative impact on teaching and learning.
Presented annually by Advance HE, the awards celebrate individuals and teams that have made an exceptional impact on student outcomes, educational practice and the wider higher education sector.
National Teaching Fellowship for Deputy Head of School of Medicine
Dr Ewan's National Teaching Fellowship recognises her transformational contribution to medical education and her pioneering work in creating identity-focused clinical placement learning that supports students in developing as compassionate, community-focused doctors.
A General Practitioner and educational leader, Dr Ewan played a central role in establishing the Graduate Entry Medical School at Ulster University's Derry~Londonderry campus and leading the development of General Practice within the programme. Through authentic placement experiences, mentorship and quality improvement initiatives, she has helped create a model of medical education that extends beyond competency-based learning to develop professional identity, leadership and social accountability among future doctors.
The Ulster University School of Medicine graduate-entry MBBS programme began in 2021 and aims to ensure a steady pipeline of medical professionals in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the award, Dr Sian-Lee Ewan said:
"I am deeply honoured to receive a National Teaching Fellowship. This recognition reflects the collective commitment of colleagues, clinical educators, students and healthcare partners who share a vision for medical education that is socially accountable and centred on people and communities.
"Throughout my career, I have been inspired by patients and the communities I serve as a GP. They have shaped my belief that doctors should not only provide excellent care but also act as leaders and advocates for improving healthcare systems. It is a privilege to contribute to the development of future doctors who are committed to making a positive difference."
Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence for Wellbeing and Belonging Leadership Network
The Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) recognises the achievements of Ulster University's Wellbeing and Belonging Leadership Network, a cross-university partnership bringing together academic staff, professional services colleagues, Students' Union representatives and students to embed wellbeing and belonging throughout the student experience.
The Network's work has been distinctive for its commitment to authentic student partnership, with students involved as co-designers and equal partners in shaping institutional change. Through masterclasses, innovation hackathons and collaborative projects, the initiative has created sustainable approaches that are helping to transform educational culture across the University.
Colette Murphy, Senior Lecturer, Curriculum Enhancement & Approval, and Wellbeing and Belonging Leadership Network co-lead, said:
"This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership across our University community. The Wellbeing and Belonging Leadership Network was created to bring together staff, students and professional services colleagues around a shared commitment to ensuring that every student feels connected, supported and able to succeed.
"In partnership with Professor Michaela Keenan, the Network has enabled colleagues from across all faculties, campuses and services to work together in new and innovative ways. What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that students have been central to the work at every stage, helping to shape initiatives that have had a lasting impact on both curriculum enhancement and the wider student experience."
Professor Odette Hutchinson, Pro Vice Chancellor, Academic Quality & Student Experience, added:
"We are absolutely delighted to see both individual and collaborative excellence recognised at a national level through these prestigious Advance HE awards.
"Dr Ewan's work exemplifies Ulster’s passionate commitment to the development of graduates who will make a positive and meaningful difference to society. Equally, the success of the Wellbeing and Belonging Leadership Network demonstrates the strength of collaboration across our University community and our dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
"These achievements are richly deserved and reflect the creativity, leadership and ambition that define Ulster University."
The dual recognition reinforces Ulster University's reputation for educational innovation and impact, celebrating both pioneering leadership in professional education and collaborative approaches that enhance the student experience across the institution.
