Dr. Neil Patel (School of Medical Sciences) for ‘Educational leadership’

Through his role as Lead for Internationalisation within the Division of Dentistry, Neil has made a significant in international Educational Leadership. In 2016, the Division of Dentistry licenced their undergraduate curriculum to Mansoura Dental School, Egypt, under Neil’s direction and leadership. Neil coordinated and led significant training and staff development, both face-to-face and online, developing learning materials for the 5-year programme which were culturally sensitive and in line with current pedagogy (introducing student-focused and student-led learning methods utilising technology such as NearPod, initiating education in subjects such as professionalism, communication, medical ethics and evidence-based practice, and introducing assessment through Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)s).

The MMDP is now recognised internationally as an innovative, evidence-based and student focused course, and Neil now teaches at a Faculty level on the subject of internationalisation in Teaching and Learning and supporting other Schools wanting to pursue similar licensing agreements. Neil’s work has had a significant impact on achieving the University’s Vision and Strategic Plan, enhancing the reputation of the Dental Division and University, increasing postgraduate admissions and improving social responsibility on a global level. This has all been done through: working in partnership with staff and students; encouraging and acting on the feedback he receives; and a passion for continually learning.