TU Dublin Celebrated at HEA Teaching and Learning Impact Awards
The School of Food Science and Environmental Health at Technological University Dublin has been recognised at the Teaching and Learning Impact Awards hosted by the Higher Education Authority (HEA), celebrating excellence and impact in teaching and learning across higher education in Ireland.
The School received the DELTA (Disciplinary Excellence in Learning, Teaching and Assessment) Award for 2025–2028 for its Higher Certificate in Science in Pharmacy Technician Studies. The DELTA Award recognises discipline-based teams that demonstrate sustained innovation and excellence in learning, teaching, and assessment.
This latest recognition marks a significant milestone for the programme, representing its third consecutive DELTA Award following previous awards for the periods 2018–2021 and 2021–2024. The award highlights the programme’s continued commitment to high-quality, student-centred education, collaboration, and innovation in teaching and learning.
The award is managed by the Higher Education Authority in partnership with the National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and recognises sustained excellence and impact in disciplinary teaching practice.
Speaking at the event, Tim Conlon, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning at the HEA, said:
“These awards recognise the work being carried out across higher education to enhance teaching and learning and the student experience. The creativity, commitment and collaboration shown by this year’s recipients demonstrate the impact that evidence-informed practice can have across institutions and disciplines.”
The judging panel praised the programme’s strong collaborative approach and commitment to continuous improvement:
“Your application stood out as exceptionally strong and coherent, reflecting a high level of coordination and collaboration within your team. The panel was particularly impressed with the level of engagement of all the team in continuous reflection and improvement, and that the team included representatives who play many roles in the pharmacy profession. Furthermore, the steps you have taken towards enhancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are adequate and promising; you will be successful in your endeavours. The panel was also especially impressed with the innovative approaches your team has taken to promote internationalisation.”
Programme Leadership
- Dr Julie Dunne – Head of School and founding Programme Chair (DELTA 2018–2021)
- Dr Gemma Kinsella – Head of Discipline and former Programme Chair (DELTA 2021–2024)
- Dr Tao Zhang – Current Programme Chair (DELTA 2025–2028)
Current Award Team
Academic Team:
- Dr Tao Zhang
- Dr Seána Hogan
- Kathryn Young
- Mary-Therese McGrath
- Dr David O’Connor
- Dr Renee Malone
- Dr Swarna Jaiswal
- Dr Karen Casey
- Dr Michael McAuley
- Dr Denis O’Shea
- Prof. Christine O’Connor
- Dr Louise Kearney
School Executive:
- Dr Julie Dunne
- Dr Gemma Kinsella
Professional Services:
- Jill Barrett
- Scott Ahearn
Student and Alumni Representatives:
- Noelle McCabe
- Simon Tee-Carter
- Rabica Javed
- Laura Smith
The award ceremony was attended by Professor John Doran, Dean of the Faculty of Sciences and Health, who joined colleagues in celebrating the programme’s continued contribution to excellence in teaching and learning at TU Dublin.
The next call for DELTA Award applications is currently open, with a closing date of 1 July 2026.