Dr Thomas Farrell, Anatomy Department, RCSI was among five third level teachers who were recognised as exemplifying excellence in teaching at the annual NAIRTL awards ceremony which took place at the Clock Tower in Marlborough Street, Dublin on Monday, 7 November 2011.

The awards recognise higher education teachers who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their teaching and have made an exceptional impact on student learning.

Dr Tom Farrell is Senior Lecturer in Anatomy at RCSI, Deputy Director of the RCSI Graduate Entry Programme in Medicine, medical officer and clinical tutor in Mount Carmel Hospital and a coordinator of student research at RCSI. His research interests include development of techniques of regional anaesthesia and the use of ultrasound guidance for nerve blocks. His undergraduate teaching includes medical, pharmacy and physiotherapy students. As a teacher he is interested in the development of new approaches to the teaching of medicine without losing sight of the merits of traditional medical training.

At a time when Higher Education Institutions are being challenged to achieve ever higher standards, the National Awards for Excellence in Teaching symbolise the outstanding quality of teaching which many Irish students already experience. In particular, these Awards value and celebrate successful efforts at integrating research, teaching and learning. The five winners represent disciplines as diverse as anatomy, Education, English and Law and were nominated by senior staff in their institution to go forward for the highly competitive award.

Ruairi Quinn, Minister for Education and Skills, presented the awards at this prestigious ceremony. He commented: "The awardees are teachers who never cease in their own learning, cultivating the potential in their students, making each and every student feel recognised and valued."

John Hennessy, Chairman of the Higher Education Authority (HEA), stressed the benefit of a national awards scheme. "The award recipients bear testimony to the quality of imagination and commitment that characterises the Higher Education community," he said.

The National Academy for the Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (NAIRTL) was established in 2007, and its vision is one where research and teaching go hand in hand. This is the fourth year of the Awards for Excellence in Teaching and the award winners were chosen from 36 detailed submissions from 17 different HEIs across Ireland. They will each receive a €5,000 award which can be used to support their teaching and research activities.