Fensham Medal for Outstanding Contribution to Chemical Education

The RACI introduced the Fensham Medal for Outstanding Contributions to Chemical Education to recognise outstanding contributions to the teaching of Chemistry and science in general over an extended period. The Fensham Medal is the most senior award for education in the RACI.

About the award

Recognition will be in the form of a medal, awarded at the National Awards Dinner. Nominations for the award will be assessed by a committee appointed by the Board. Candidates are to be nominated and seconded by two senior RACI members. RACI membership must be MRACI (and above) and for a minimum of 3 years. Candidates must have demonstrated outstanding achievement in Chemistry and Chemistry related teaching and learning over a period of at least 10 years at the primary, secondary or tertiary levels of Chemical Education, or through public or industry-based appointments. 

The nomination requirement is a current CV highlighting: 

A) The development, presentation, and propagation of formal coursework or practical material.

B) Public delivery of Chemistry and science-related material in the Australian context.

C) Theoretical and practice innovations in educational pedagogy related to course design, content, delivery, and assessment.

D) The nurturing of public awareness and understanding of Chemistry and chemistry-related science in its broadest context.
Evidence of outstanding achievement and recognition will include but is not restricted to:

    • Awards, prizes, and citations for teaching and learning activities
    • Acceptance of material in peer-reviewed educational journals and publications
    • One or more textbooks that have been widely accepted by educational institutions
    • Incorporation of material into curricula at the State and National levels
    • The impact of the candidate’s contributions to Chemistry and science teaching as attested to by a set of independent statements from former students
    • Invitations to learning and teaching conferences as plenary or keynote speaker
    • A documented history of public lectures and presentations that develop a greater understanding of the chemical sciences in the population in general

E) Two referees of good standing. Please provide: 1. Name 2. Email address 3. Telephone.

Please prepare your application/submission on a single PDF document and apply via the award application page on the RACI website.

After the closing date, no further nominations for the award shall be accepted.

If in the opinion of the Board there is no candidate who has sufficient merit, the Board may refrain from making an award. The decision of the Board is final and no discussions or correspondence will be entered into.

The RACI National Awards are open from 1 April to 30 June.
During this time, you are invited to submit applications below.

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Roy Tasker

 If I could leave a lasting mark on the chemistry profession, it would be fostering wonder about molecular structures in living systems and inspiring young minds to grasp molecular-level concepts. I am proud of my involvement in the RACI chemistry education community and remain committed to promoting public understanding of the molecular world's significance.  

Adjunct Professor Roy Tasker
2023 Fensham Medal Recipient