The Tim Shaw Award for Innovation in Teaching and Learning recognizes rising SOMP Members who have devoted significant effort to developing teaching and learning innovations, promoting educational excellence, and motivating and inspiring students to learn.

This award recognizes Professor Tim Shaw, one of the founders of the Society of Mining Professors and its first Secretary General, for his dedicated service to the Society, his interest and contributions to global mining education, and for his continued enthusiasm and support of the mission and programs of SOMP.

The award was suggested by the Strategic Planning Committee, and the Education Committee decided to create a “Teaching and Learning Award” for SOMP.  It is endowed with three parts: a certificate, a small gift, and 500 Euros. 

Award Committee

The SOMP Education Committee.

Deadlines

Completed and signed extended application form (max. 5 pages) addressing the award criteria (see below) should be submitted to the Chairperson of the Education committee, by February 15, 2026. The 2026 guidelines and procedures are available here. The application form in docx format is available here. 

Applicant Criteria

1. The applicant must be and have been a member of SOMP, in good standing (with out any outstanding membership fees) for at least three (3) years before the call of applications. 
2. The applicant should ideally be an early or mid-career academic and must plan to attend the SOMP annual meeting. 
3. The topic of the application must be one that the applicant has developed or been engaged in within the last three years.
4. The successful applicant will be invited to make a presentation on their topic at the 2026 SOMP annual meeting – all applicants must therefore be intending to register and attend the meeting.

Award Criteria

Applicants should note that the listed examples are illustrative. Your application should focus on activities and evidence appropriate to your individual position and working circumstances—there is no expectation that every area will have been addressed, especially for those earlier in their careers or with limited opportunities.

1. Approaches to teaching and/or the support of learning that influence, motivate, and inspire students to learn. For example: Implementing student-centered teaching methods that promote independence, curiosity, and engagement; designing assessment tasks that not only measure performance but foster skill development and critical thinking; using diverse assessment and feedback strategies tailored to student needs and learning contexts; employing evaluation methods that inform teaching and learning decisions; encouraging active participation and ownership of learning through thoughtful instructional and assessment design.
2. Development of curricula, resources or services that reflect a command of the field. For example: Designing or revising curricula at various levels—from individual learning activities to entire programs; developing, adapting, or sharing learning resources; integrating innovative teaching materials or technologies; enhancing courses, modules, or programs; engaging in the continuous improvement and systematic alignment of curricula and student support services.
3. Self-reflection and development of teaching practice in general, own teaching practice, and personal role as an educator. For example: Engaging in honest and ongoing self-assessment of teaching practice, including thoughtful recognition of both strengths and areas for improvement; demonstrating humility and openness to feedback from peers and students; cultivating a reflective and growth-oriented attitude that values learning from successes as well as challenges; participating in professional development aimed at enhancing teaching and learning; connecting and sharing experiences with colleagues or communities of practice; committing to lifelong learning and evolution as an educator; maintaining a respectful and self-aware approach to one’s influence and responsibilities.
4. Innovation, leadership, or scholarship that has influenced and enhanced learning and teaching and/or the student experience. For example: Leading or actively contributing to initiatives that advance learning and teaching within and beyond the immediate academic community; sharing innovative practice or research findings via publications, presentations, workshops, or professional communities; serving as a role model or mentor to students and peers; fostering networks that promote educational excellence; undertaking significant leadership or service roles that improve the student experience at departmental, institutional, or broader levels.

Awardee List