Professor Sin-Wang Chong has been recognised as a National Teaching Fellow through Advance HE in recognition of his exceptional impact on teaching, student learning, and educational leadership in higher education, including around AI in learning and teaching.

Professor Chong is a Principal Fellow of AdvanceHE and serves as the Director of Impact and Innovation and Director of Research at the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) and a founding Director of the Centre for International, Language, and Teacher Education Research (CILTER) at the University. He is also a visiting Professor in Education at King's College London.

An internationally recognised scholar in education and applied linguistics, he has published over 100 research papers, secured more than £3 million in research funding, and leads a £2 million UK Government Department for Education research programme on teacher education. His research on metascience, or the study of how research is produced and used, has informed his work on evidence synthesis, research ethics, academic publishing, and evidence mobilisation.

Recognised as one of the Top 2% Scientists in Education (Elsevier-Stanford List since 2023), Professor Chong is also the author of multiple top 1% cited publications. He holds senior editorial roles across leading international journals, including as Founding Editor-in-Chief of Research Synthesis in Applied Linguistics, and has founded several influential initiatives that promote open scholarship, research ethics, and knowledge exchange for educators worldwide.

Speaking of the award, Professor Chong said: "I am beyond delighted to be recognised as a National Teaching Fellow, and to be the first awardee at St Andrews. This award speaks volumes to the calibre of teaching and educational work my colleagues at the International Education and Lifelong Learning Institute (IELLI) do.

"I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to my IELLI colleagues, who are excellent educators and reflective practitioners, and who have inspired and supported me to take forward my vision for an educational experience for our foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate students that integrates technological innovation, industry and policy partnership, and is informed by rigorous pedagogical research."

Principal and Vice-Chancellor of St Andrews Professor Dame Sally Mapstone FRSE said: "I am delighted to congratulate Professor Sin-Wang Chong on becoming the first member of our University community to receive a National Teaching Fellowship.

"This is a well deserved recognition of his contribution to teaching and educational leadership, and of his commitment to ensuring that innovation, including the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence, is always grounded in rigorous pedagogy and the interests of our students. His achievement reflects the highest standards of teaching and research that define the University of St Andrews"

This year, 55 educators have been awarded National Teaching Fellowships, while 15 collaborative teams have received a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) in recognition of their significant and lasting contributions to student success, innovation and educational practice.

The National Teaching Fellowship Scheme remains 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.

Alistair Jarvis CBE, Chief Executive of Advance HE, said: "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."

Professor Becky Huxley-Binns, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at Canterbury Christ Church University and Chair of the Teaching Excellence Awards Panel, said: "It has been a privilege to chair the panel and to see first-hand the exceptional quality, creativity and commitment demonstrated by this year's nominees.

"The recipients of the National Teaching Fellowship Scheme and Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence represent the very best of UK higher education. Their work illustrates the profound impact that outstanding teaching, educational leadership and collaborative practice can have on students, colleagues and the wider sector.

"On behalf of the panel, I warmly congratulate all of this year's award recipients and thank them for the lasting contribution they continue to make to learning and teaching across higher education."

The 2026 National Teaching Fellows and CATE recipients will be formally recognised at an awards ceremony on 24 September 2026 in Edinburgh.