She was recently presented with the award by Baroness Brown at the House of Lords. 

This is a further accolade for Leigh's highly praised outreach work with the global chemical company BASF UK through their ScienceXperience project, an interactive science resource which provides school children with the chance to take part in experiments linked to the national curriculum.  

The facility is designed to inspire students and support teachers to maximise their education.  The award recognised the impact for primary school age children who have been able to access on site learning activities designed by Leigh.  The sites are generally located in areas with some disadvantage and therefore the impact for the children in seeing real world science, their learning in action, is greater. 

Leigh was also shortlisted for the Education/Academic Leader Award at the Forward Ladies Summit and Awards at the Royal Armouries in Leeds that took place in November.

Professor Leigh Hoath said: “Both of these awards are the icing on the cake!  My role at Leeds Trinity involves supporting others through their own professional journey.  Additional recognition beyond the University’s four walls is a wonderful experience and it adds a layer of feeling valued for the work I deliver.  None of this would be possible without the support of my colleagues and peers both in and out of the University.”

Dr Duncan Martin, Deputy Dean of the Institute of Childhood and Education at Leeds Trinity University, said: “Professor Hoath richly deserves this recognition. She champions the vital importance of sustainability and climate change education through her work and research.  Leigh is an outstanding ambassador for the University and we are thrilled that she continues to receive national recognition and accolades.”

Earlier this year, Professor Hoath also launched a new book, ‘Science Teaching in Secondary Schools’, which is an essential guide to secondary science teacher training and gives practical advice on developing classroom skills.

Furthermore, she chairs a working group focussed on climate change and sustainability with individuals from education, industry and the charity sector, having worked closely with Heena Dave, Curriculum Designer at Teacher Development Trust, who is an active researcher in the area.  Leigh is also co-authoring a book with Leeds Trinity Senior Professional Practice Fellow Ed Podesta. ‘Professional Studies for Secondary Teaching’ will be released via Sage Publishing in March 2023. 

Read more about Professor Hoath’s work on the Leeds Trinity website.