Teaching Award Recipients and Distinguished University Teachers

Nils Franzén - The Faculty of Arts and Humanities Teaching Award

Associate Professor Nils Franzén is given this award for his deep commitment to education, which has been demonstrated in significant contributions that are comprehensive, innovative and quality-driven. Pedagogical development work has been a common thread throughout Franzén’s career: in teaching, in his role as subject coordinator, as a textbook author and as a mentor of students. His teaching of philosophy is characterised by elaborate lectures that combine humorous examples with crystal-clear explanations and student-active methods.

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Agnetha Frick - The Umeå Student Union Study Counsellor Award

Student Counsellor Agnetha Frick receives this award for her balancing of the positive and the difficult in the field of student counselling and for the way she treats students. Agnetha follows current developments and key issues in her profession closely and prioritises lifelong learning, both for herself and for the students she meets. The Umeå Student Union hopes that she can continue her important work as a student counsellor, preferably with access to a work phone in the future.

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Christina Johansson - The Faculty of Social Sciences Teaching Award

University Lecturer Christina Johansson receives this award for working systematically and consciously to create teaching situations that promote active student participation and that clearly link theoretical knowledge with future professional roles. With great pedagogical skill, even in large student groups, she engenders enthusiasm and creates meaningful learning. Through her responsive and committed working method, her theoretical foundation and her ability to put theory into practice, she also contributes generously to collegial learning and to educational development in each of her teaching teams.

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Kristina Lejon - The Faculty of Medicine Teaching Award

Professor Kristina Lejon distinguishes herself through her structured and clear way of teaching, which makes even such a challenging subject as immunology understandable and exciting for students. She prioritises ensuring that everyone can speak up in the classroom and creates a safe and inclusive learning environment where questions are encouraged. Her teaching is characterised by energy and pedagogical joy, and she inspires and motivates students to develop. As a leader, she is responsive, always provides clear and good information, and allows others to grow and be active. Kristina is fair and maintains a balance between clarity and consideration, which is appreciated by both colleagues and students.

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Tom Madell - The Umeå Student Union Teaching Award

Professor Tom Madell is being recognised with this award for his ability to combine different learning styles and his understanding of how crucial the encounter with each individual student is. It is important to dare to combine new and relevant forms of teaching that depart from the traditional lecture. Tom sees each student not only as a student but also as a future colleague and works to ensure they have relevant knowledge and understanding of the profession and the world around them. Tom is an educator who learns about the students so that he can, in turn, teach the students.

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Lars Samuelsson - The Umeå School of Education Teaching Award

Docent Lars Samuelsson receives the award for his extensive and long-term efforts to develop teaching and quality in teacher education. By grounding her work in research, innovative methods and inclusive leadership, he creates learning environments where students are stimulated and challenged. Student evaluations testify to his ability to create interest, provide in-depth learning and spur reflection. His work has had lasting significance on several levels within education.

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Lena Svensson - The Faculty of Science and Technology Teaching Award

Associate Professor Lena Svensson is given this award for her skills in leading and developing education at the faculty. As programme coordinator for the Master of Science Programme in Biotechnology, she has improved the programme’s student progression and academic relevance through systematic and strategic work. She is a valued educational leader who generously supports colleagues and is particularly important for the development of degree projects, where she has contributed to increased quality and consistency. Through her strong student focus and commitment to the connection between research and education, she creates sustainable learning environments and is a role model for academic teaching.

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Merve Yesilbas - The Umeå Student Union of Science and Technology Teaching Award

Assistant Professor Merve Yesilbas is being recognised with this award because she is an incredibly inspiring lecturer who motivates students to enthusiastically explore their chemistry studies. She brings amazing energy to lectures and is very good at connecting the current topic to her own field of research. By sharing her expertise and research, her lectures become more motivating as even students in a basic chemistry course gain a taste of current research.

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Marlene Brännlund - The Umeå Medical Sciences Student Union Teaching Award for Education

University Lecturer Marlene Brännlund has been given this award for being a very good teacher. She is knowledgeable, empathetic and wants everyone to succeed and helps students along the way. Marlene is a teacher who really makes a difference for us students. During the practical sessions at Clinicum, she creates a safe and encouraging environment where you dare to try, make mistakes and ask questions. She is calm, pedagogical and supportive, which makes you feel safe even in situations that may initially feel nervous or difficult. Marlene is also very good at turning seminars into real learning opportunities. By asking questions, encouraging discussion and connecting theory with clinical situations, she helps us think a step further and truly understand the content instead of just getting through a seminar. Marlene always treats students with respect and a genuine commitment to our learning. She takes the time to explain, answer questions and create an environment where everyone feels included and seen. For many students, Marlene contributes to both increased knowledge and greater confidence as they grow into their role as a nurse.

The award was presented at the Student Union’s separate ceremony

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Sara Gunnarsson - The Umeå Medical Sciences Student Union Teaching Award for Clinical Supervision

Specialist Doctor Sara Gunnarsson receives this award for being a true educator. She has a consistently high reputation among students and is enormously appreciated as a supervisor. Sara is one of the supervisors who confidently guides medical students through their first clinical placements and she interacts with those who are soon to enter the profession. She takes the time to see the students and explain why things are done or not done. Whether during a round or in the coffee room, Sara wants the students to understand, which is invaluable for a young, unsure student. This is especially important in the complex world of internal medicine, where new research is constantly leading to new treatments and approaches. Sara also works actively to showcase the full breadth of the medical profession and includes students in a good and confidence-building way in communication with relatives, municipalities and other parts of the medical care system, even when the conversations are sometimes ethically or emotionally difficult. She really highlights the importance of being present as a medical doctor, while also being able to take a step back, reflect and reevaluate depending on what the situation requires. Having Sara as a clinical supervisor is truly a gift, and she more than deserves the Umeå Medical Sciences Student Union Teaching Award for Clinical Supervision.

The award was presented at the Student Union’s separate ceremony.

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