Nominations for the award of the IMA John Blake University Teaching Medal are invited from 1 October 2026 until the closing date of 31 January 2027, through myIMA.
The award is named in honour of Professor John Blake (1947-2016) who, in addition to his research profile in bubble dynamics and low Reynolds number biological flows, was amongst the first true champions of teaching and learning within higher education. This IMA award has the full support of John’s family.
The IMA John Blake University Teaching Medal is awarded to individuals who have made a significant and sustained contribution to the teaching of the mathematical sciences at university-level (Level 4 and above). Contributions that can be considered will vary based upon individual circumstances, however the criteria by which all nominees for the Award will be judged are listed below:
- Demonstrate, over a sustained time period, the ability to inspire, enhance and support learning in the mathematical sciences by a diverse range of students.
- Engage with scholarship of learning and teaching within the mathematical sciences and can demonstrate how this has enhanced their own current practice.
- Influence the practice of colleagues in their own institution and beyond.
Prize Details
- The winner will receive £1,000, a silver medal and a certificate. It is expected that the financial award will be used in support of the professional development of the award winner or to further enhance their teaching and learning practice.
- Normally a single award will be made on each occasion. If, exceptionally, a joint award is made, the £1,000 prize will be equally split between the winners.
- Nominees may not nominate themselves. Nominations may only be made by MIMAs (IMA Member grade) or FIMAs (IMA Fellow grade) of the IMA.
- Nominees need not be existing MIMAs (IMA Member Grade) or FIMAs (IMA Fellow Grade). However, award winners are reasonably expected to become Members (MIMAs) or Fellows (FIMAs) of the IMA if not already so.
- The winner may be required to give a lecture and / or attend a presentation ceremony.
How to Submit a Nomination
Nominations for the IMA John Blake University Teaching Medal are submitted online through the myIMA portal.
The application portal is not yet open.
We expect the new portal to be available in late October. In the meantime, you are encouraged to prepare all necessary supporting documents and information so you are ready to submit your nomination as soon as the portal opens.
Please check this page again later in October for the link to submit your nomination.
What you can do now:
- Review the award criteria and requirements.
- Prepare all necessary documents and information for your proposed nominee.
- Look out for further updates. This page will be updated with a “Nominate Now” button and submission instructions once the portal is live.
Additional Nomination Information
For full eligibility requirements, detailed nomination instructions, and a timeline of the award process, please visit the main IMA John Blake University Teaching Medal page.
Questions
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact the Education Team: education@ima.org.uk.
