Recipients announced for DCU President’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching for 2026
The winners of the 2026 DCU President’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching for 2026 were announced at a ceremony in the Polaris Building on DCU’s Glasnevin Campus today (Thursday 21 May).
Speaking to those attending the ceremony, DCU President Professor Dáire Keogh said;
“These awards celebrate those who contribute to a transformative student experience at DCU through teaching.
“Each of our nominees makes an impact through their steadfast commitment to the core purpose of our University - the education and development of our students.”
This year's recipients are listed below, alongside a quote from their nomination citation.
New Lecturer - Emma Farragher
“Emma is the epitome of everything we value in DCU. She is empathetic to her students and her colleagues. She has gone above and beyond in digging colleagues out of holes when they need additional support. Her creative ideas for practice inspire not only her students, but her fellow colleagues. Emma's passion for her work is infectious!”
Team Teaching - Professional Doctorate and MSc in Elite Performance (Sport) Teaching Team (Dr Áine MacNamara, Dr Robin Taylor (pictured), Dr Rosie Collins, Dr Jamie Taylor, Dr Stephen Behan)
“The teaching team employs a range of innovative pedagogical approaches, including scenario-based learning, applied case studies, and real-world simulations, particularly within their CPD modules delivered in partnership with sporting organisations.”
Distinctive Approach to Teaching - Dr Neil O’Boyle
“His lectures introduce contemporary theory and industry-relevant practice while stimulating creativity and debate. Students are encouraged to engage with concepts individually before challenging and refining them in group discussion, fostering intellectual confidence and collaborative analysis.”
Distinctive Approach to Innovation in Assessment - Dr Darren Clarke
"Darren uses a range of assessment formats across his modules. These include reflective journals, research projects, group work, peer assessment and interactive oral assessments.Instead of relying on traditional examinations, these approaches are designed to encourage critical thinking, collaboration and the development of DCU’s transversal skills."
Teaching Support - Emma Stapleton
“Emma is a committed and passionate Librarian whose work makes a significant contribution to student learning. Through her teaching, innovative use of learning technologies, and exceptional commitment to individual student support, she consistently enables students to develop the critical information and research skills that underpin academic success.”
Doctoral Supervision Award - Prof Patrick Flood
“Patrick is an exemplary researcher and inspiring supervisor, who in addition to his multiple active roles in academia always shows genuine interest and valuable guidance in my research project. He always shows a lot of encouragement and trust, which enables me to thrive.”
Overall Academic Award - Dr Yalemisew Abgaz
“Yalemisew’s approach for teaching DCU Futures Data Literacy and Analytics employs a microcurricula approach that enables the delivery of key data literacy and analytics topics in a well-structured, interactive, and flexible manner.”