A Senior Lecturer and Consultant Anaesthetist at Swansea University’s College of Medicine has been awarded a National Teaching Fellowship from the Higher Education Academy (HEA) today, 28 July 2011.
Professor Aidan Byrne is one of just six people in Wales who have been successful in their nominations for this prestigious award for excellence in higher education teaching and support for learning. It is also the first time that higher education establishments in Wales have made nominations to the scheme.
Professor Byrne graduated from Cardiff University in 1987 as a doctor and after basic training worked in general medicine, becoming a registrar in 1990.
After transferring to anaesthesia he worked in South Wales and developed an interest in simulation-based training. He designed and built the Anaesthetic Computer Controlled Emergency Situation Simulator (ACCESS), the first full scale anaesthesia training simulator in the UK, which is an easy to use, realistic and valuable educational tool.
After becoming a full time consultant in Anaesthesia in Swansea he developed the use of simulation as a training and research tool, both locally and as president of the UK simulation society (now ASPiH).
His main research interest is in the effects of workload on human performance and in particular the measurement of mental workload in real/simulated practice and its role in learning and error.
In 2004 Professor Byrne joined Swansea University, initially developing two new open access skills laboratories with associated e-learning materials, then developing the clinical skills training within the new joint Graduate Entry Programme.
After working with other staff, the clinical skills programme was developed into a fully integrated clinical skills programme and in 2006 he took over as Programme Director. He completed the MSc in medical education in Cardiff in 2005.
In 2006 Professor Byrne began the design of a new four year graduate entry medicine programme and led the process of curriculum review, design and implementation of the new curriculum.
In 2011 Professor Byrne started work at Cardiff University as the interim Director of Clinical Skills and Simulation whilst maintaining an active role with the Swansea University GEM management team and medical research activities.
Professor Craig Mahoney, Chief Executive of the HEA said: “I am delighted to welcome our colleagues in Wales to the scheme this year and would like to congratulate all of the successful nominees. During my first year as Chief Executive at the HEA I have been privileged to meet many National Teaching Fellows across the country and have been inspired by their work and achievements. Their commitment and expertise are an inspiration to academics and students alike across the sector.
“The dedication of the 55 new Fellows announced today is to be applauded and provides further evidence of the high quality innovative practices that students paying fees will increasingly expect to experience in higher education.”
Jacqui Hare, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Wales, Institute Cardiff, and member of the Advisory Panel, said: “I am delighted that excellence in learning and teaching across Wales is being recognised through these awards. It is wonderful that six of our colleagues have been successful in this, our first year taking part in the scheme.
“National Teaching Fellows lead the way in promoting innovative learning and teaching practices which benefit thousands of students every year. This is a great opportunity for institutions across Wales to celebrate excellence in teaching.”
Each award winner will receive an award of £10,000 which may be used for Fellows’ professional development in teaching and learning or aspects of education.
The new National Teaching Fellows will officially receive their awards at a ceremony which will take place in London on Wednesday 5 October 2011.
