Congratulations to Dr Yan Zeng who has been awarded the Senior Fellowship of the HEA
Dr Yan Zeng, Senior Lecturer – Accounting and Finance (Financial Technology) at UWE Bristol, has recently been awarded the Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). This recognition reflects sustained teaching practice and leadership in learning and teaching, including influence on the practice of others who teach and support learning.
Dr Zeng remarks, “What I value most about SFHEA is that it recognises everyday academic work that can make a real difference to students and colleagues: curriculum improvement, inclusive teaching practices, thoughtful assessment design, and mentoring. At UWE Bristol, I’ve worked with colleagues to redevelop finance modules to strengthen coherence, relevance, and fairness, and I’ve shared practical approaches that support participation in diverse cohorts – particularly simple digital techniques that give every student a voice in large-group teaching.”
“I’ve also found that teaching leadership is strongest when it is shared. Much of my work has involved creating space for reflective discussion with module teams – comparing student feedback, aligning expectations in marking and feedback, and trying small changes that improve clarity and confidence. Those collaborative habits have carried into wider conversations about responsible, ethical, and future-focused business education.”
“This connects closely with the spirit of the GARG community: sharing ideas, learning from each other, and building practice that has impact beyond our individual classrooms. I’d be very happy to exchange teaching ideas or resources with colleagues interested in inclusive, digitally supported learning in finance and business education.”
Dr Yan Zeng wins prestigious PRME Research Seed Funding
Dr Yan Zeng has been awarded Research Seed Funding from the UK & Ireland Chapter of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME).
This competitive funding supports research that advances responsible management education and contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and Dr Zang’s project is among a small number of successful proposals that were selected.
The funded project examines the relationship between innovation, inequality, and inclusive growth in emerging economies. While innovation is widely recognised as a driver of productivity and long-term development, it can also contribute to widening social and economic disparities. Dr Zang’s research explores when innovation-driven inequalities can be considered just, and under what conditions innovation can meaningfully improve outcomes for less advantaged groups.
Dr Zeng elaborates, “The project takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining ethical reasoning with empirical analysis, and it aligns with PRME’s principles as well as the School’s commitment to responsible management and sustainability. It also connects strongly with the interests of the GARG community, particularly around governance, fairness, and the wider societal consequences of economic and technological change. I would be very happy to connect with colleagues in GARG who are working on related themes, or who are interested in the teaching and policy-facing outputs as they develop.”
“In addition to academic research, the project emphasises impact beyond publication. Planned outputs include policy-relevant insights, teaching materials for PRME-aligned courses, and collaborative workshops with colleagues from other UK institutions.”
“Receiving this award provides valuable support at an early stage of the project and opens up opportunities for collaboration within the PRME network. I look forward to sharing progress through future events, teaching activities, and wider dissemination within PRME, GARG, and beyond.”
