An economist at De Montfort University London (DMU) has been awarded one of the UK’s most prestigious teaching awards after a career dedicated to rethinking how higher education prepares students for an increasingly complex and technology-enabled world.
Dr Swati Virmani, Head of Academic at DMU London, has received a National Teaching Fellowship (NTF) in recognition of her sustained contribution to educational innovation, curriculum design and student success.
Only around 50 NTFs are awarded each year by education charity Advance HE to recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to improving student outcomes and to the teaching profession.
Dr Virmani's work spans more than a decade across curriculum innovation, digital education, employability, and responsible artificial intelligence (AI). Throughout her career she has focused on creating learning environments that build capability, enabling students not only to gain disciplinary knowledge but also to develop confidence, professional judgement and the skills needed to thrive in rapidly changing workplaces.
That philosophy now underpins the academic vision for DMU London, where Dr Virmani has shaped the curriculum portfolio, quality framework and integrated approach to employability, sustainability and digital practice.
Officially launched earlier this year, DMU London has been designed around emerging industry needs, with programmes including Responsible Data Analytics, Cyber Security and AI, International Business and Sustainability Management, Global MBA with Responsible Leadership, and Project Management with Sustainability.
Dr Virmani said: "My focus has always been on education as capacity building. It is not only about helping learners succeed academically, but about helping them develop confidence, agency and critical judgement. Those capabilities will remain valuable long after specific technologies or job roles have changed."
This is particularly evident in her approach to AI. Dr Virmani believes learners need to understand not only how AI can support their work, but also its limitations, potential biases and the judgement required to use it responsibly in professional practice.
That thinking is also reflected in DMU London's EDGE programme – a six-week skills development scheme that integrates Employability, Digital, Green and Enterprise skills alongside academic study. Rather than traditional assessments, students work on practical projects addressing real-world challenges, such as a tool to track carbon footprint; an employability chatbot designed to improve access to employer information and career opportunities on campus.
Dr Virmani said: "These are all student ideas. Our role is to create the environment where those ideas can grow by giving students the skills and opportunities to apply what they have learned to real problems."
Alongside her work at DMU London, Dr Virmani is recognised nationally for her research into AI governance and the societal impact of AI. She has authored influential reports for the UK’s Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) on AI readiness and the future of professional work, and is currently designing a Responsible AI Governance framework for the Communications and Engagement Directorate at University Hospitals Leicester NHS Trust.
Her wider work also includes collaborations with charities and public-sector organisations to improve digital capability and community outcomes through innovative educational approaches.
Reflecting on the award, Dr Virmani said: "I believe a ‘golden thread’ has run throughout my career, whether I have been teaching economics, designing professional programmes, working with practitioners or charities or leading academic provision at DMU London. It is understanding where people are, identifying the capabilities they need, and creating learning experiences that help them grow. Receiving a National Teaching Fellowship award is a tremendous honour because it recognises that aspect of my journey and the impact it has had."
Posted on Thursday 6 August 2026