Prestigious teaching honour for ARU trailblazer
National Teaching Fellowship is recognition for Elaine Brown’s innovative approach
An Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) academic has been recognised with one of the highest honours in UK higher education after receiving a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE.
Elaine Brown, is among 55 educators from across the UK to be named a National Teaching Fellow in 2026. The awards celebrate individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in teaching and made an outstanding impact on student learning, educational practice and outcomes.
The National Teaching Fellowship scheme, run by Advance HE, is one of the UK's highest honours for individuals in higher education, recognising educators who have demonstrated sustained excellence and made outstanding contributions to enhancing the student learning experience.
Elaine has been recognised for her innovative and student-centred approach to education, particularly through her leadership of ARU's Ruskin Modules and Personal Development Tutoring, which place students at the heart of curriculum design and encourage them to contribute to the co-creation of learning experiences.
“The journey from lecturing in Computer Science to connecting the brilliance of each individual student's contribution to the collective and co-created curriculum of Ruskin Modules has been a personal one. We do this for our students, to support the incredible people they are.
“I’m profoundly humbled that my impact has been recognised at a national level. However, this National Teaching Fellowship is also testament to the courage of every Ruskin Module Leader, every trailblazer, who worked with me. It's all well and good having ideas, but you need to be with wonderful people who bring it to life.”
Elaine Brown, Institutional Lead for Personal Development Tutoring and Ruskin Modules at ARU“Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026 National Teaching Fellowships and Collaborative Awards for Teaching Excellence.
“They exemplify the dedication, creativity and leadership that underpin outstanding higher education. Through their commitment to students and continual enhancement of teaching and learning, they are making a significant contribution to their institutions and the wider sector.
“I am pleased to recognise their achievements and celebrate the impact they have made on students, colleagues and communities throughout the UK.”
Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HEThe 2026 National Teaching Fellows and CATE recipients will be formally recognised at an awards ceremony in Edinburgh on 24 September.
“This is a richly deserved recognition of Elaine’s commitment to transforming the student experience. Her leadership, creativity and passion for inclusive, collaborative learning have had a profound impact on our students and colleagues, and we are delighted to see her achievements recognised with a National Teaching Fellowship.”
Professor Roderick Watkins, Vice Chancellor of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU)