Winners of 2026 Distinguished Teaching Awards

Theology, humanities and educational sciences

Senior Lecturer Erik Falk at the Department of Scandinavian Languages has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award in Theology, Humanities and Educational Sciences.

Erik Falk is a knowledgeable, confident and socially sensitive teacher who, through clear teaching and constructive feedback, enables students to grasp challenging course content. Thanks to his thorough subject knowledge and his dedication to teaching, he makes large and complex topics not only accessible but also genuinely interesting, according to the students. This has made Erik a much-appreciated teacher who has, not least, become a role model for both his colleagues and many budding Swedish teachers.

Law and social sciences

Senior Lecturer Tomas Guvå at the Department of Economics has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award in Law and Social Sciences.

Tomas Guvå receives the award for his ability to support students’ learning. In his teaching practice, he has a particular ability to engage with different groups of students and demonstrate what makes his subjects both relevant and interesting. With clearly structured teaching, Tomas supports students on their path to understanding abstract economic concepts.
Tomas makes sure to allow space for students’ questions and to ensure that students are given favourable conditions to achieve knowledge goals and develop a clear professional connection.

Medicine and pharmacy

Lecturer Camilla Ekwall at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award in Medicine and Pharmacy.

Camilla Ekwall lectures in the physiotherapy programme, where her thorough subject knowledge and clear teaching approach contribute to coherent and relevant education. She coordinates and leads both theoretical and practical teaching and, as international coordinator, helps to ensure that students experience international perspectives and learning environments. Enthusiastic and highly motivated, Camilla is attentive to the needs of both students and colleagues. Through her structured and dedicated approach, she promotes a well-functioning and much-appreciated learning environment within the physiotherapy programme.

Mathematics, natural sciences and technology

Assistant Professor Chang Hyun Park at the Department of Information Technology has been awarded the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award in Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Technology.

Through his genuine commitment to student learning, combined with student-centred teaching methods, Chang Hyun Park has succeeded in explaining how modern computer hardware is constructed, as well as the complex programming processes required for its effective use. Through lectures combined with discussions, always grounded in established scientific research, his teaching has encouraged student engagement and interactivity. The ‘flipped classroom’ format prompts students to ask relevant questions, which are then addressed in detail during the lectures. The students appreciate Chang’s teaching because it is so clearly student-centred.

The 2026 Independent Award

The 2026 Independent Award on the theme of ‘Assessment that promotes student learning’ is awarded to Senior Lecturer Sarah Lynne Bowman at the Department of Game Design. The congratulatory message is recorded and sent to the award winner, as they were unable to attend.

Sarah Lynne Bowman has demonstrated considerable teaching skill, with a particular focus on the areas of transformative game design and Live Action Role Play (LARP). As programme coordinator for the online Master’s programme in Transformative Game Design, she has developed new forms of assessment that incorporate continuous feedback as a key part of the students’ learning process. Sarah is a passionate educator who is always willing to go the extra mile to provide support in a teaching process that consistently strives for the highest possible quality.

Johan Ahlenius