Rich rewards for good teaching and learning

Twenty academics from England and Wales are Pounds 50,000 better off this week, following the announcement of the winners of the first National Teaching Fellowships Scheme.

Funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England's teaching quality enhancement fund, the Pounds 1million scheme aims to raise the profile of teaching in universities, as well as rewarding the efforts of academics who have "demonstrated excellence in teaching and support for learning".

The prize is individual, not institutional, and is to be put towards work in teaching and learning. The funding is transferable and will move with academics should they move institution.

The 20 winners, comprising 12 men and eight women, were chosen from 95 applicants.

Sir Martin Harris, vice-chancellor of Manchester University and chair of the judging panel, said: "The task of selecting winners was extremely difficult. Nevertheless, we have made our choice and I am convinced that the opportunities the fellowships will provide will be of great value to the winners themselves and to the wider community of learning and teaching."

Full list, People, page 8