News
International Relations academic receives Distinguished Excellence in Teaching prize
By: Heather Stanley
Last updated: Monday, 22 June 2026
Felix said: "I was fortunate that [--] I could push the boundaries of International Relations teaching to provide an ever more inclusive and active experience to my students. This prize encourages me to continue on this path."
Dr Felix Roesch, Associate Professor in International Relations and Director of the Centre for Advanced International Theory (CAIT), has been co-awarded – along with HEO Seunghoon Emilia (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, College of Asia Pacific Studies) – the Distinguished Excellence in Teaching International Studies Prize by the British International Studies Association (BISA).
The joint award for distinguished teaching excellence in international studies recognises the sustained international teaching collaboration between Felix and Emilia who have been pushing the boundaries of innovative teaching through performance, dance and artistic practice in International Relations teaching in relation to peace and conflict resolution.
A wide body of evidence - including student feedback scores, testimonials and peer recommendations - supports the strong impact that Felix and Emilia are having on student learning and engagement. The judging panel were particularly keen to highlight the pair's joint commitment to publishing their pedagogical work in a way that enables colleagues to learn from their innovative methods, extending the reach and impact of their work within the field of international studies.
Felix said:
“Being recognised with the BISA Distinguished Excellence in Teaching International Studies Prize is very meaningful for me. Teaching was never a chore for me, but a privilege to accompany my students in their learning journeys and see them intellectually grow. I was fortunate that, often in collaboration, I could push the boundaries of International Relations teaching to provide an ever more inclusive and active experience to my students. This prize encourages me to continue on this path."
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BISA is a leading voice in International Studies in the UK and abroad, developing and promoting International Studies through publications, research, academic networks and funding opportunities.