Meet our three new Distinguished University Teachers

How did it feel to be accepted as a Distinguished Teacher in 2023?

“It felt very exciting, but at the same time, there’s this feeling that the recognition comes with increased responsibility,” says Eva Carlsson, Senior Consultant in Renal Medicine at Uppsala University Hospital and course coordinator for the Medicine Programme since 2018.

“Of course, I was happy when the application finally went through. It’s a mark of quality that you meet the requirements for Distinguished University Teacher set by the University,” continues Dick Wågsäter, Professor at the Department of Medical Cell Biology, researcher at the Uppsala Aortic Centre of Excellence, and Programme Director for the Biomedical Laboratory Science Programme.

“Thrilled, of course! Like many others, I joined academia because I wanted to do research and started teaching initially because it was expected. Cannot forget those initial days, standing in front of a class, all nervous and sweaty. But I don’t shake in my shoes anymore and really enjoy it. Having said that, I think teaching has its ups and downs and is super challenging, not a job to be taken lightly,” says Meena Daivadanam, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, teaching on the Master’s Programme in Global Health.

What has the appointment meant for you?

“I have been very involved in the development and improvement of methodology courses, particularly in terms of progression of students’ knowledge and skills across the different terms in the programmes that I have worked in, including the current one. I have also worked with capacity development through doctoral and post-doctoral training within a SIDA bilateral programme with Makerere University in Uganda. I see this promotion as perhaps an acknowledgement of my efforts in this space and hopefully an affirmation of my role as teacher and pedagogic developer,” says Meena Daivadanam.

“As of yet, it hasn’t meant much for me, but I have received congratulations from colleagues, and that has motivated me to continue working on various educational projects,” says Eva Carlsson.

“The appointment has not meant anything hands-on yet, but now we are three Distinguished University Teachers in the department, and we are discussing forming a group to address educational issues. It is mainly those who were already Distinguished University Teachers who have noticed that I have been accepted, and not everyone may be aware of it. But with this year’s announcement, maybe it will be more recognised,” says Dick Wågsäter.

How do you view the importance of education and pedagogical work compared to research and/or other roles?

“Education and educational work are based on a scientific foundation both in the pedagogy practiced and in what is taught, so the two go hand in hand as I see it. All aspects are important. Then again, it’s difficult to find time for everything, which is the current limitation,” says Dick Wågsäter.

“I believe education informed by research and research informed or strengthened through pedagogic work, brings out the best in academia. Research and education are complementary and strengthen each other, however it is more natural for us in academia to strive for research excellence, given the structure of incentive systems that are in place. I believe that all three tasks of academia should be weighed and incentivised on a more equal footing than they are today,” says Meena Daivadanam.

“Science and teaching preferably go hand in hand, and the best for teaching is pedagogically skilled researchers. The next best is not always an unpedagogical researcher, but rather a skilled educator, so it’s important to also reward those who primarily want to engage in teaching,” continues Eva Carlsson.

What do you take forward in your work as Distinguished University Teachers?

“The recognition feels like an extra strength for me as the educational coordinator in renal medicine when I implement several new teaching elements in the new medicine programme’s semester 6. I also hope that I can inspire other clinical teachers to merit themselves and engage in teaching,” says Eva Carlsson.

“I want to inspire and guide both those who are new to their roles as teachers, but also those interested in applying to become Distinguished University Teachers in the future. I also hope to contribute to and manage more educational work and development at the Department and the University,” says Dick Wågsäter.

“Well, going forward, other than my current teaching commitments, one of the activities I will prioritise is the development of a strong educational component in the recently established Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE), that I co-lead with my colleague, Jane Battersby from University of Cape Town, South Africa. Ours is one of 20 CoREs in different fields and one of three co-led by Uppsala University. We have short- and long-term plans to develop educational opportunities in collaboration with our partners in the African and European regions, including teaching exchanges and training programmes at master, doctoral and post-doctoral levels,” concludes Meena Daivadanam.

Robin WIding