University of Suffolk Ipswich lecturer nominated for award

Dr Ruth Flaherty, a law lecturer at the University of Suffolk on Ipswich Waterfront, has been shortlisted as one of the finalists for the Oxford University Press law teacher of the year.

Oxford University Press says the award is the only national prize to reward all-round law teaching excellence, recognising teachers and those who add something extra special to their teaching.

Dr Flaherty's teaching ideas of using fictional characters and 3D printing to analyse legal dilemmas were also part of the reason she has been nominated.

She said: "It is a huge honour to have been shortlisted for this award, and I am indebted to my colleagues and students for making this happen.

The University of Suffolk on Ipswich Waterfront (Image: Jason Noble LDRS)

"Teaching at the University of Suffolk has been such a rewarding and fun experience, and I am grateful the university has given me the ability to do so in a creative and engaging way."

Dr Flaherty joined the University of Suffolk in 2019, and in that time has gone on to undertake other roles, including co-ordinating extra-curricular activities for law students and looking after Thriving Thursday, a calendar of wellbeing activities for law students.

Associate professor David James, head of law and social sciences at the University of Suffolk, said: "Ruth’s nomination for this prestigious award is richly deserved.

"We see from her teaching every week how inspired our students are from her lectures, and her unique and passionate approach to the subject provides real value for our students in understanding complex legal topics."

Award judges are set to visit the university next week to interview Dr Flaherty, her colleagues and students before making their final decision, which will be announced in June.