Meet the teaching heroes of SOAS
Meet the winners of the Students' Union Learning and Teaching Awards, recognising the staff who go above and beyond to make SOAS a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring place to learn.
This May, the SOAS Students' Union (SU) proudly hosted our annual Learning and Teaching Awards ceremony - an evening dedicated to recognising the dedication, passion, and excellence of our academic and support staff.
These awards give students the opportunity to show their appreciation for the individuals who go above and beyond to enhance the learning experience at SOAS.
We’re proud to share the list of this year’s winners and runners-up - each nominated by students for their outstanding contributions - and to highlight the inspiring reasons behind those nominations.
Inclusive Education Award
Winner: Dr Alvina Hoffman, Lecturer in Diplomatic Studies.
Runner-up: Professor Dafydd Fell, Professor in Comparative Politics (with special reference to Taiwan).
One student shared: “Dr Hoffman is always responsive to emails…and actively promotes face-to-face discussions to ensure we feel confident with our assignments. Beyond academics, she has played a key role in supporting student-led initiatives, welcoming every idea we bring to her. From promoting events to attending them, she extends her support in every possible way."
Innovative Teaching Award
Winner: Ben Harringer, PhD Researcher in the Department of Development Studies.
Runner-up: Dr George Boss, Lecturer in Political Theory.
One of his students shared: “[George] is really excellent in innovating a great classroom dynamic by implementing new teaching techniques whilst keeping it entertaining. His slides are one of the best I have seen within the university and show the amount of effort he puts into tutorials."
Student Voice Award
Winner: Dr Esteban Salas, Lecturer in African History.
Runner-up: Alice Lyzcia, PhD Student in the Department of History.
Postgraduate Research Supervisor of the Year
Winner: Professor Angela Impey, Emerita Professor of Ethnomusicology.
Runner-up: Dr Ilana Webster-Kogen, Reader in Jewish Music.
A nominee praised Professor Impey for demonstrating "professionalism in her supervisory approach, with a clear understanding of each student's or researcher's abilities and circumstances. She listens attentively, offers guidance, and allows the researcher to take charge of their research direction."
Outstanding Feedback & Communication Award
Winner: Christian Davantin, Student & Academic Support Officer (SASO), College of DEF.
Runner-up: Dr Anandi Rao, Lecturer in South Asian Studies.
As Student & Academic Support Officer, “[Christian] is a clear communicator and a supportive person. Whenever there’s an issue with anything or any doubts, students can always rely on Christian to clear these”.
One of Anandi's students shared: “[Anandi] has an exceptional feedback style and her detailed comments have helped me improve my academic performance”.
Outstanding Teaching Award
Winner: Dr Matteo Giordano, Lecturer in Economics.
First runner-up: Dr Jonathan Bashi Rudahindwa, Senior Lecturer in Law.
Second runner-up: Dr Kevin Manton, Foundation College Lecturer.
A testimonial read: "[Dr Matteo] is undoubtedly an asset for SOAS [due to] his passion for teaching, responsiveness, ability to guide his students, readiness to help, and above all command over his subject”.
Department of the Year Award
The Economics Department was awarded Department of the Year, based on the number of staff nominations it received from students. The Law Department was named runner-up in this category.
A final word from the Students' Union
Reflecting on the event, Hamayal Zaib, Co-President Equality and Liberation at the Students’ Union, said:
“These awards are all about celebrating the people who make our academic experience meaningful. It’s a chance for students and staff to come together and recognise the lecturers, Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs), and academic advisors who’ve gone the extra mile to support and inspire us. Just as importantly, the awards are driven by the student community: your voices, your nominations, your appreciation.”
We would like to congratulate all of this year’s deserving winners and runners-up. Your dedication and excellence are what make SOAS a truly exceptional place to learn and grow.
