Awarded for excellence in teaching

Murdoch's Associate Professor Robert Mead is to receive a prestigious 2009 Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) Award for University Teaching.

The awards celebrate teachers renowned for teaching excellence, with outstanding presentation skills, who have made a significant contribution to enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in higher education.

Professor Mead is a metabolic biochemist, toxicologist and Chair of Murdoch’s Forensic Biology and Toxicology program.

He will be presented with his award at a November presentation ceremony at Parliament House, Canberra, by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, The Honourable Julia Gillard.

Associate Professor Mead’s Award is in the category of Biological Sciences, Health and Related Studies.

“The awards, worth $25,000 each, recognise the nation's top university teachers and most outstanding programs and services aimed at improving the quality of student learning,” Vice Chancellor Professor John Yovich said.

“On behalf of Murdoch University, I extend our congratulations to Associate Professor Mead for his outstanding achievement.”

Professor Mead said it was welcome recognition of Murdoch's role in the provision of forensic education in WA, its forensic research and unique approaches to special interest areas.

"It was on the basis of my approaches to forensic teaching in Biochemistry, Forensic Toxicology and Bodies of Evidence alongside student research, work placements, support and novel educational materials that I was fortunate to receive the award," Professor Mead said.

"I see it as an award to Murdoch University and our students."

This year 24 university teachers from across Australia will receive Awards for Teaching Excellence while a further 12 will receive Awards for Programs that Enhance Learning.