Dr Pedro Elston awarded National Teaching Fellowship

A reader in Digital Health Education at Queen Mary University of London, Pedro is also Head of the Learning Innovation Team, co-course director for Prehospital Medicine, and Head of Student Selected Components (MBBS) within the Institute of Health Education, part of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary.  

Having initially worked as a teacher in primary and secondary schools, Pedro then worked in roles related to policy and student experience, among others. In these roles, he became aware of how curriculum design, administrative practices and digital infrastructure can unintentionally create inequities in students’ learning experiences and worked to change them. 

This passion for reducing inequalities in education has remained with Pedro during his 12 years in Higher Education. In his various roles at Queen Mary, Pedro has done just this, making a remarkable impact on the digital education provision provided to students within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry by making it more inclusive and accessible, including through co-creation with students.  

For example, Pedro’s pioneering work leading the development of virtual reality as an educational tool for medical students has allowed over 500 students to study anatomy in a virtual environment, while his leadership in creating virtual guided meditations has supported the mental health of many Queen Mary students.  

In addition, as part of the AI for Student Learning and Research project team within the Faculty, he has co-created an interactive learning resource with students to help users understand academic integrity and ethics when using AI, and to develop their knowledge and skills of AI as they progress through their degree.  

Pedro also chairs the Medical Schools Council’s Digital Education Group, a national network of experts in digital medical education, which is driving improvements and having a real impact in medical and digital education across the UK.  

Speaking on receiving his award, Pedro said: "I am ecstatic to have received a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE. This award recognises the importance of broadening access to education for all, challenging inequities, and building modern education practices with our students as partners. This is a celebration of the work we do at Queen Mary to open the doors of opportunity for all of our current and future students." 

Professor Stephanie Marshall, Vice-President for Education at Queen Mary said: “Pedro’s educational philosophy of broadening access to education and his commitment to challenging inequities and removing barriers that impact learners by acting as a supportive leader, advocate and co-creator fully embody Queen Mary’s ethos of opening the doors of opportunity through excellence.  

“That’s why I know I speak for the whole Queen Mary community when I say we are so proud that Pedro’s outstanding work has been recognised with a National Teaching Fellowship from Advance HE. He is incredibly deserving.” 

Queen Mary has a strong track record of winning prestigious teaching awards – 19 of our Educators have received a National Teaching Fellowships since the scheme was launched in 2000, while two teams across the University have also been awarded Advance HE’s Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence.

The National Teaching Fellowships recognise, reward and celebrate the exceptional contributions of individuals and teams to teaching excellence in UK higher education and showcase the transformative impact of teaching.  

Read more:  

• Queen Mary University win national higher education awards 

• Professor Graham Easton awarded National Teaching Fellowship 

• AdvanceHE NTF 2026 – Pedro Elston