Golden Dandelion Awards
Now in their fourth year, the Golden Dandelion Awards are coordinated by the University’s Sustainability in the Curriculum Committee (SiTC), inviting submissions that demonstrate considerable contribution to Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The Prize is presented each year by Principal and Vice-Chancellor Dame Professor Sally Mapstone FRSE.
The 2023 Golden Dandelion Prize was awarded to Dr Charlotte Lee from the School of Geography and Sustainable Development for the module GG4253 Cultural geographies of climate activism, which creates connections between the personal and the political by encouraging student engagement with the climate crisis in the context of their day-to-day activities.
Dr Gosia Mitka, Chair of SiTC and Associate Dean (Education) Arts & Divinity said: “The winning module was selected for its innovative and uplifting approach to teaching a topic that is often associated with fear and despair. It is a brilliant example of how education for sustainable development can leave students more empowered and motivated to tackle the challenges of our time.”
Dr Lee said: “I found the Award really encouraging. I’m an early career researcher and this is the first module I’ve designed myself – to receive this kind of positive recognition so early on was a real boost to my confidence.”
The module was developed through Dr Lee’s research interests as a cultural geographer and climate activist and was inspired by a chapter she contributed to the Critical Geographies of Resistance, edited by Sarah Hughes and published in 2023.
In addition to the main prize, modules in development can also receive Dandelion Awards in acknowledgment of their potential. This year, nine modules received Awards for reaching a quality standard for ESD.
The Award ceremony was combined with a Sustainability in the Curriculum workshop for staff and students, facilitated by SiTC.
The University’s commitment to ESD also includes a series of Virtually Integrated Projects (VIPs) which give students from any discipline the opportunity to engage in sustainability research, as well as Masters and Bachelor degrees in sustainable development. Postgraduate research opportunities and taught degrees are also available in sustainable development.