A Swansea University academic has earned international recognition for his dedication to educating the next generation of pharmacologists.
Dr Aidan Seeley, who is Programme Director for Medical Pharmacology at Swansea University Medical School, is this year’s recipient of the prestigious International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR) Outstanding Early Career Educator Award.
The award recognises outstanding contributions to pharmacology education internationally and was presented at the World Congress of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology Education Satellite Meeting held in Melbourne, Australia. In addition to the honour, Dr Seeley was also invited to deliver the Award Lecture.
Dr Seeley said he was delighted and honoured to have received the award: “One of the most rewarding parts of leading the Medical Pharmacology programme is helping students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to become the next generation of pharmacologists who will discover new medicines and improve those already used to enhance people’s lives.
“This award is particularly special because it recognises not only my work, but also the enthusiasm and contributions of the many students, colleagues and collaborators who have helped develop these ideas.”
The assessment panel highlighted Dr Seeley’s role as Principal Investigator of the Swansea Worm Integrative Research Laboratory (SWIRL) which has pioneered the use of Lumbriculus variegatus - more commonly known as the blackworm – as an alternative animal model for biomedical science education.
He added: “I am incredibly proud that educational innovations developed at Swansea are helping to shape pharmacology education internationally.
“At SWIRL we have developed classes that allow students to explore how drugs affect living organisms in a way that is ethical, affordable and accessible, while also contributing to research using this model organism.
“This has now been adopted by higher education institutions across the UK and Ireland, helping thousands of students gain hands-on experience of experimental science.
“Education is at its best when learners are actively involved in discovery rather than simply learning established facts. Through SWIRL, we are creating opportunities for students to experience real scientific research, ask questions, test ideas and learn from unexpected results in the same way that professional scientists do.”
Dr Seeley is also a previous winner of the Rang Prize, awarded by the British Pharmacological Society to candidates who have made an exceptional contribution to pharmacology teaching.
Find out more about Medical Pharmacology at Swansea