Universities Australia Chair Professor Margaret Gardner said inspiring teachers change lives.

“Our greatest university educators not only prepare students for the careers that await — they also spark a deep passion for ideas, knowledge and evidence in those they teach,” she said.

“Great teaching expands our thinking and broadens our horizons. It brings out the best in a learner. And it makes learning joyous. That is what these awards recognise.”

The Australian Awards for University Teaching have existed for more than two decades.

These prestigious honours recognise brilliant teachers in Australian higher education — and this year’s awards recognise 13 outstanding teachers and teaching programs.

“Inspired teaching – the imparting of knowledge, excitement, confidence and wonder, as well as the ability to learn – is what the inspirational winners of these awards do, day in and day out,” Professor Gardner said.

“On behalf of every student, campus, workplace and community that has benefited from these outstanding teachers, I warmly congratulate all of those recognised with these honours.”

Griffith University’s Dr Kevin Larkin was named the Australian University Teacher of the Year.

Dr Larkin has transformed how maths education is taught – based on his internationally-published research and three decades of experience in school teaching and leadership.

“It is an incredibly powerful experience teaching a person and then sharing in the joy of them discovering new things. I have been a teacher for 37 years and I still get ‘goose bumps’ when this happens – whether the students are six or 36,” Dr Larkin said.

“The power of good teaching lies in its ability to change people’s lives. Education is critical for everyone in our society – it gives them the skills to create a better Australia and a better world. As teachers, we are very much focused on being agents of change in our students’ lives.”

Full details for the other winners in the 2018 Australian Awards for University Teaching can be found here.