Kingston University academic awarded prestigious national Enterprise Educator Fellowship

An academic from Kingston University’s School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry has been awarded a prestigious Fellowship of Enterprise Educators UK (EEUK).

Associate Professor Dr Nigel Page is believed to be the first member of staff at Kingston University to receive this recognition and it marks a significant milestone for the University’s commitment to developing future-focused, employability-driven education.

The EEUK champions excellence in enterprise and entrepreneurship education, supporting and connecting educators across the UK and internationally. Its Fellowship is a national award recognising individuals who have made a significant and sustained impact and contribution to entrepreneurial education, innovation and leadership.

Dr Page’s work focuses on embedding enterprise, creativity and real-world engagement across the biosciences curriculum. He has led the development of a fully scaffolded approach that integrates enterprise education across all three years of study, enabling students to build confidence, creativity and professional identity from the outset and progress to complex innovation challenges by their final year.

His approach is informed by a strong background in translational biomedical research. During his research career, he contributed to patented discoveries that progressed towards commercialisation, including work licensed to a diagnostic start-up and projects that secured external investment. This experience continues to shape his teaching, with a focus on helping students understand how scientific ideas move from the laboratory into real-world impact.

Over more than a decade, Dr Page has worked closely with the University’s enterprise team and accrediting bodies to pioneer initiatives within biosciences. These include integrating live employer briefs, interdisciplinary hackathons and external mentoring into teaching, as well as linking curriculum activity with initiatives such as the University’s Bright Ideas competition. 

He currently leads the final-year Bioscience Innovation and Enterprise module, where students engage in simulation-based learning to explore how scientific discoveries translate into viable innovations in healthcare and biotechnology.

A key aspect of his work has been developing inclusive partnerships with industry to widen access to enterprise opportunities. Initiatives such as the Discover Industry programme, delivered in collaboration with GSK, have supported underrepresented students to build confidence, expand professional networks and engage directly with industry role models.

Dr Page was honoured to receive the Fellowship and said it reflected the importance of embedding enterprise and innovation within life sciences. “I believe enterprise education should enable all students, not just the confident or well-connected, to recognise and realise their potential. Preparing our students with the confidence, creativity and enterprising mindset to succeed beyond university is something I am deeply passionate about, and this recognition highlights Kingston University’s commitment to Future Skills.”

Through his teaching and leadership, Nigel continues to support students in developing the skills, mindset and adaptability needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving graduate landscape, reinforcing Kingston University’s position at the forefront of innovation-led, inclusive education.