Dr Tore Butlin, Associate Professor in Dynamics and Vibration, has been awarded one of the University’s Pilkington Prizes for excellence in teaching.
I am delighted to receive this award. I love teaching and I am grateful to all my students who continually keep me on my toes, and to the Department of Engineering for encouraging creativity in teaching.
Dr Tore Butlin
Dr Butlin (Queens’ College) and 13 other winners were presented with their awards by the University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Deborah Prentice, at a ceremony also attended by Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Environmental Sustainability), Professor Bhaskar Vira.
In a citation, Dr Butlin was praised for the key role he has played in “reshaping the engineering course content and integrating it with other disciplines – particularly mathematics and computing – since 2016”.
The citation continues: Dr Tore Butlin led the design of a new IA Mechanics syllabus, introducing contemporary computing methods and practical examples that reflect real-world engineering applications. His teaching is distinguished by memorable demonstrations, creative memory aids, and the use of AI teaching assistants that support self-directed learning.
Reflecting on his Pilkington Prize, Dr Butlin said: “I am delighted to receive this award. I love teaching and I am grateful to all my students who continually keep me on my toes, and to the Department of Engineering for encouraging creativity in teaching.”
Summing up the event, Professor Vira said: “The Pilkington Prize award ceremony is one of my favourite events in the University calendar. It’s always deeply satisfying to see hard-working staff recognised for their commitment and dedication to teaching and learning. We all know that behind every great student is a great teacher and I feel privileged to work alongside such excellent colleagues.”
The Pilkington Prizes are awarded annually to members of academic staff in recognition of their contributions to teaching excellence in support of Cambridge undergraduate and postgraduate education. They were initiated by Sir Alastair Pilkington, who believed that the quality of teaching was crucial to the University's success.
- Browse the full list of this year’s prize winners and their achievements.
The 2025 Pilkington Prize winners with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Prentice, (front, centre) and Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Environmental Sustainability), Professor Vira (front, fourth from left). Credit: Lloyd Mann.
Adapted from news articles published on the University of Cambridge website and Cambridge Centre for Teaching and Learning website.
