The Higher Education Authority has announced two new DELTA Award recipients – awards that recognize work in teaching and learning enhancement in higher education in Ireland.
The Department of Tourism and Hospitality team at Munster Technological University (MTU) and REEdl (Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland) team – also at Munster Technological University (MTU) – have been singled out for their achievements.
The Department of Tourism and Hospitality team at MTU is led by Breda O’Mahony and Niamh Lenihan. It runs a Home Economic and Business programme at MTU, which is distinctive in that 11 department across the University contribute to the programme.
The multidisciplinary programme is comprised of academics across an array of areas and supported by a wide range of internal (e.g. Heads of Department, Section Heads, Department Secretary and Administration office, Technicians, Career Office, Library, Student Engagement Office, Technology Enhanced Learning Unit,Teaching and Learning Unit, Disability Support Services) and external stakeholders (e.g. industry partners, University College Cork).
REEdI (Rethinking Engineering Education in Ireland) team at MTU is led by Sarah Flaherty.
It was formed to develop and deliver a new Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (MT834) programme at the Kerry campus of MTU.
The DELTA Award – first awarded in 2018 – celebrates discipline groups in Irish higher education institutions that demonstrate sustained commitment to teaching and learning enhancement and a shared vision for continuous improvement.
Dr Alan Wall, CEO, Higher Education Authority said:
“These awards recognise the hard work and commitment of staff and students in making teaching and learning better for everyone. The MTU teams have shown real dedication to improving the student experience and to working together to make lasting change. The HEA is proud to recognise their achievements and the positive impact they are making across their disciplines and institution.”
Professor Chrissi Nerantzi, Panel Chair (University of Leeds) said:
“The panel was impressed by the quality and depth of the submissions, and by how each team articulated a strong, evidence-based approach to teaching, learning and assessment. The panel was particularly encouraged by the authentic, real-world orientation of learning and assessment, and by the way each team is building capacity and community across their disciplines.”
The HEA extends its thanks to the evaluation panels for these awards – Professor Chrissi Nerantzi (University of Leeds), Dr Manuel João Costa (University of Minho), Niamh Kennedy (National Student Engagement Programme) Dr Barry Ryan (TU Dublin), Jerry Reen (University College Cork), Dr Cormac Quigley (Atlantic Technological University), Dr Monica Ward (Dublin City University), Professor Denis Harrington (South East Technological University).
The next deadline for expressions of interest and full applications for the DELTA Award is December 3, 2025. Visit www.teachingandlearning.ie/awards/delta-award for more details.
