Dr. Yuliia Shyshatska Receives 2026 UACES Excellence in Teaching Award

International Humanitarian College London (IHCL) is proud to celebrate the recognition of Dr. Yuliia Shyshatska, Director of Academic Operations at IHCL, as the recipient of the 2026 UACES Excellence in Teaching Award.

The award recognises Yuliia's exceptional contribution to higher education, particularly her commitment to inclusive, student-centred learning, innovative teaching practice and creating educational experiences that enable students to succeed.

Putting Students at the Centre of Learning

Throughout her career in higher education, Dr. Yuliia Shyshatska has worked across academic leadership, teaching, curriculum development and quality enhancement. Her teaching experience spans Levels 3-7 and includes learners from diverse academic and educational backgrounds.

A central part of her approach is the belief that students do not all learn in the same way. Rather than expecting learners to adapt to a single model of education, Yuliia focuses on creating learning environments that can respond to different needs, strengths and ways of learning.

Her work combines evidence-based pedagogy with practical learning design, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to education and creating inclusive academic environments where students have the opportunity to thrive.

A Recognition of Meaningful Teaching

The UACES Excellence in Teaching Award celebrates exactly this kind of contribution: teaching that goes beyond the delivery of academic knowledge and creates meaningful experiences that support student development and success.

For IHCL, Yuliia's achievement reflects the values that are central to our own approach to education - inclusive learning, personalised support and an understanding that education should adapt to the learner.

Reflecting on the award, Yuliia said:

“I am truly honoured to receive the UACES Excellence in Teaching Award. For me, this recognition is particularly meaningful because teaching has always been about much more than delivering knowledge. It is about creating an environment where students feel included, supported and able to succeed.”

She added that she strongly believes there is no single “ideal” learner and that thoughtful, inclusive learning design can benefit everyone.

A Proud Moment for IHCL

Yuliia's recognition is an important achievement not only for her personally, but also for the wider IHCL academic community.

Her work demonstrates how innovative teaching and inclusive learning design can come together to create stronger educational experiences and better outcomes for students.

Congratulations to Dr. Yuliia Shyshatska on this well-deserved recognition.

We are incredibly proud to have her leading our academic community and helping shape the future of learner-centred education at IHCL.