Two DSPI associate professors receive University of Oxford teaching award
Dr Amiya Bhatia and Dr Marek Naczyk recognised for their outstanding teaching by the University
Dr Amiya Bhatia and Dr Marek Naczyk have received Individual Awards in the 2026 Social Sciences Teaching Excellence Awards, recognising their outstanding contribution to teaching at the Department of Social Policy and Intervention (DSPI).
The annual awards celebrate exceptional teaching and the positive impact on student learning and academic development across the University’s Social Sciences Division.
Professor Kenneth Nelson, Head of Department at DSPI, said: 'This recognition is a testament to Amiya and Marek’s dedication to teaching and to supporting our students’ success. They are deeply committed to helping students engage confidently with complex ideas, develop critical thinking skills and apply their learning to real-world challenges. They are both widely valued by colleagues and students with their contributions extending beyond excellence in the classroom. I am delighted to see their achievements recognised by the University.'
Dr Amiya Bhatia
Dr Amiya Bhatia, Associate Professor and Course Director for Evidence-based Intervention and Policy Evaluation (EBSIPE)
Dr Amiya Bhatia was recognised for her exceptional work in course leadership, teaching practice, and DPhil supervision. Her teaching is characterised by a commitment to rigorous and impactful science, inclusive student-centred teaching, and a strong collaborative approach.
As Course Director for the department’s EBSIPE programmes, Dr Bhatia creates an environment which brings together learning objectives with engaging classroom practice and real-world policy challenges. Students are encouraged to questions assumptions, think critically and build the confidence and independence to address complex social issues.
Beyond teaching, Dr Bhatia has made a significant contribution to the wider learning environment within DSPI by strengthening collaborative approaches to course design and delivery. She has also created career development opportunities for DPhil students and early career researchers.
Dr Bhatia said: ‘I work to create classrooms where students think critically about power and help each other to learn about health inequities and how institutions and governments could act. It is a rare privilege to run an MSc and MPhil course that equips students who care about the world with the tools they need to understand and change it. I am grateful for this award and the opportunity to work with wonderful colleagues and thoughtful students.’
Dr Bhatia'I work to create classrooms where students think critically about power and help each other to learn about health inequities and how institutions and governments could act.'
Dr Marek Naczyk
Dr Marek Naczyk, Associate Professor in Comparative Social Policy at DSPI
Dr Marek Naczyk was recognised for his reflective and continually evolving contribution to teaching across multiple courses across DSPI. His teaching demonstrates a sustained commitment to strong course design, excellent student experience, and positive learning outcomes.
He provides detailed, constructive feedback that helps students deepen their understanding while also using this to refine teaching methods and course content. Through this reflective approach, he contributes to an engaging learning environment and the ongoing enhancement of teaching practice across the department.
Reflecting on his teaching approach, Dr Naczyk said: 'I see teaching as an ongoing process of improvement, shaped by student feedback and experimentation. Helping students develop critical thinking through rigorous training in methods and theories, grounded in real-world examples and evidence, is especially important in these uncertain times.'
Dr Naczyk'Helping students develop critical thinking through rigorous training in methods and theories, grounded in real-world examples and evidence, is especially important in these uncertain times.'