The ERA Foundation has opened nominations for the 2026 David Clark Prize, recognising exceptional educators who inspire the next generation of UK engineers. Nominations opened on December 1, 2025, with a deadline of Friday, 13 March 2026.
The Foundation will award two prizes—one to a primary school teacher and one to a secondary school, college, or UTC teacher who demonstrates outstanding commitment to engineering education.
Each winner receives a £3,000 personal award and £12,000 for their school to advance engineering initiatives over three years.
Winners will be announced at the ERA Annual Dinner, currently planned for September 2026.
Selection criteria
The selection panel evaluates nominees based on their vision for technology and engineering education, creative approaches to engaging young people, demonstrated success in inspiring students toward engineering careers, and the impact of their contributions over the past five years.
The panel values evidence of hands-on engineering experiences, industry partnerships, student engagement initiatives, curriculum innovation, and commitment to inclusivity. Nominees should demonstrate work that goes beyond standard curriculum requirements.
How to nominate
Nominations require a 600-word submission detailing the educator’s achievements, along with a one-minute video highlighting their work.
Submit completed nominations to andrew.everett@erafoundation.org by Friday, 13 March 2026.
The History of the David Clark Prize
Since its establishment in 2016, the David Clark Prize has recognised 16 exceptional educators across the UK. The 2025 awards marked a milestone with four joint winners—the first time both categories honoured multiple teachers and the first time all four UK nations were represented.
Recent winners demonstrate the transformative impact educators have on engineering education. Lucy Hart of Caroline Haslett Primary School led her school to iBelong Champion status, promoting girls in computer science, with students scoring 17 per cent above the national average in computational thinking competitions. Dewi Thomas of Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Edern introduced Engineering and Technology as a subject, with students winning the Big Bang UK Young Engineer of the Year award and achieving consecutive finalist positions in the UK and World F1 in Schools finals.
The 2024 winners—Paul Tyler of Kirkhill Primary School and Anthony Vaughan-Evans of East Point Academy—established STEM innovation hubs and regional teacher networks. In 2023, Jenn McEwan of Doonfoot Primary School and Isabel Culmer of Barton Peveril Sixth Form College were honoured for their work engaging thousands of students with engineering through competitions, enrichment programs, and industry partnerships.
The prize honours Dr David Clark, who passed away in September 2025. Dr Clark served as the ERA Foundation’s Executive Secretary until 2015 and remained devoted to the prize that bears his name, personally presenting awards at foundation events until his death.
The 2025 awards marked the first nomination cycle since his passing, continuing his legacy of recognising educators who transform young lives through engineering education.
Dr Clark had a distinguished career in telecommunications, space science, and research leadership, including roles at the Science and Engineering Research Council, the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and the Warwick Manufacturing Group. He established the prize in 2016 to celebrate educators who share his commitment to inspiring future engineers.
