A pair of Queensland University of Technology academics has snared two of only three prestigious Carrick Fellowships available across Australia, in recognition of their excellence in university teaching and learning.
Professor Sally Kift, director of QUT's first year experience project, and Professor Helen MacGillivray from QUT's School of Mathematical Sciences, have been awarded one-year Senior Fellowships by the Carrick Institute, each worth up to $330,000.
Assistant dean in QUT's Faculty of Education Professor Erica McWilliam also received one of eight national Associate Fellowships, valued at $90,000.
The aim of the Carrick Institute's Fellowship Scheme is to advance learning and teaching in higher education by supporting leading educators to undertake strategic, high profile fellowship activities.
Professor Kift's work will focus on improving the quality of student learning in the critical first year of higher education, while Professor MacGillivray will develop resources and internationally-recognised strategies to assist in teaching, using and assessing statistical thinking.
Professor McWilliam will complete a major project in creative capacity building in undergraduate students.
"Carrick Fellows are only awarded to outstanding scholars in their fields so this is a strong endorsement of the quality of the expertise in teaching and learning offered at QUT," QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake said.
"Professor Kift, Professor MacGillivray and Professor McWilliam exhibit originality and viability in their activities and offer outcomes in improved teaching and learning that have real breadth and depth for the university sector," he said.
Fellows will undertake their fellowship for a 12-month period between May 2007 and 2009.
The Carrick Institute receives $26 million annually from the Australian Government to manage its competitive grants
and awards.
Media contact:
QUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Coaldrake on 3864 2365
Janne Rayner QUT media manager on 3864 2361 or j2.rayner@qut.edu.au
