Lecturer Marta González and the Transnatura project win the 8th Teaching Excellence Awards

In this edition, the jury wanted to highlight the solidity and rigour of the winning candidates, as well as the value of the initiatives that have managed to enrich the learning experience and share knowledge within the university community. The jury also expressed its sincere recognition of the set of candidacies presented in this edition, which reached a very high level and made the deliberation particularly demanding, demonstrating the UAB lecturers' commitment to teaching excellence.

In the individual category, the award went to lecturer Marta González Silveira from the Faculty of Science. The jury awarded her for a career spanning more than two decades that combines scientific rigour, paedagogical clarity, and an outstanding ability to motivate students in very diverse contexts. Her teaching is characterised by the continuous incorporation of active methodologies, continuous assessment, and innovative activities that have contributed to improving student participation and critical thinking. Her pioneering role in teaching innovation linked to artificial intelligence was also highlighted, as well as her leadership in projects such as REAFIA and participation in European initiatives. The award includes a cash prize of 4,000 euros, which will be used for new teaching innovation actions.

 

The jury awarded a second prize in this category to lecturer Santiago Tejedor Calvo, from the Faculty of Communication Studies, for his teaching that very effectively integrates digital and technological content into journalism training. His ability to link learning with real challenges in the sector, promote creativity through applied activities, and encourage critical use of digital tools in dynamic and participatory learning environments was particularly valued.

In the new group category, the jury distinguished the Transnatura project, from the Faculty of Education, for a consolidated trajectory of more than a decade in which a large interdisciplinary team has been able to integrate several subjects of the degree in Primary Education in a proposal focused on situated, experiential learning linked to the region, nature and sustainability. The jury highlighted the sustained educational impact on hundreds of students each year, the methodological solidity, the stability of the teaching coordination, the generation of transferable materials, and the constant connection with teaching innovation initiatives. The prize is endowed with 6,000 euros, which the team will allocate to new teaching innovation actions.

Also in the group category, the project Socialitzem el TFG, from the Faculty of Arts & Humanities, received a second prize for its contribution through the systematic incorporation of the service learning methodology into the final degree projects. The initiative links the TFG to real needs of the area, promotes experiences of social commitment, and provides tools and resources that improve the design and evaluation of the projects.

Regarding the call in general, Vice-Rector for Teaching Training and Innovation José Luís Muñoz Moreno pointed out that "the awarded candidacies, as well as all those that were presented this year, highlight the deep commitment of our teaching staff to university teaching and to giving support to students". He noted that this edition demonstrates "a teaching community that understands teaching as a shared responsibility and at the service of society", and added that "the Teaching Excellence Awards are a demonstration of the talent, dedication and vocation that make it possible for learning to continue to be a space for growth and transformation".

The award ceremony will take place on 15 May at 12:45 p.m. in the conference hall of the Rectorat building, and forms part of the 8th UAB Teaching Innovation Conference, which will be held on 14 and 15 May.