These annual awards from the Social Sciences Division recognise the remarkable commitment and innovative teaching practices demonstrated by colleagues at all career stages.

The awards are presented in two categories:

• Individual/Team Awards for Academic Staff 
• Individual Awards for Academic Staff (Early Career Strand) 

Dr Park, who teaches on the flagship MPhil in Development Studies, has made exceptional contributions to the degree since joining in 2022. As a supervisor, he excels in supporting students’ self-development throughout the course. In particular, he works with supervisees to explore their course goals and personal trajectories in international development. 

This care for inclusive learning extends to his approach to course design. In addition to students and lecturers, he sees teaching assistants as a key link for student learning and feedback. As co-convener of the mandatory Core Course, Dr Park worked with Course Director and fellow co-convener Dr Simukai Chigudu to pilot a capstone ‘Core Forum’. This created a space for the international and multidisciplinary cohort to draw out and discuss their respective views on the past, present, and future of development studies by the end of the course.

"I thank the students, staff, and faculty at ODID for a research environment that integrates teaching excellence" Dr Park said. "This award is a credit to the MPhil teaching committee and the departmental culture at ODID, which has allowed me to innovate and further develop my teaching abilities."