Teaching Award success for Professor Donal O’Connell

Congratulations to Professor Donal O’Connell who has won the College of Science and Engineering Teacher of the Year award at the Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) 2026 Teaching Awards ceremony.

Professor O’Connell received the award in recognition of his teaching on the Quantum Field Theory course, taken by final year MPhys and MSc students. Despite being widely regarded as one of the most challenging courses in the School of Physics and Astronomy, students praised the course for being clear, engaging, and well-structured.

The EUSA Teaching Awards results announced that:

Quantum Field Theory is widely recognised as one of the most challenging courses in the School of Physics and Astronomy, yet students described it as made remarkably clear and engaging through Donal’s teaching. He restructured the course in a fresh and thoughtful way, developing original notes and materials to support understanding of even the most complex ideas. His dedication, responsiveness and deep subject knowledge created an inspiring learning environment that left a lasting impression on students.

In addition to his teaching recognition, Professor O'Connell is the recipient of an advanced grant from the European Research Council (ERC) to pursue ground-breaking research in Quantum Field Theory. This grant highlights his expertise in the subject matter, enabling him to answer student queries with authority and depth. With strength in both research and teaching excellence, he thereby enhances the learning experience for students.

Organised annually by the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, the Teaching Awards provide students with an opportunity to thank staff - from lecturers to tutors to support staff - for their hard work, whilst celebrating the best of teaching and support at the University.  

Over 2,000 nominations were received, which were reviewed by Sabbatical Officers and around 100 student volunteers. Winners were announced at a ceremony at Teviot Student Union.