Professor Ed Turner, Professor of Insect Ecology and Curator of Insects in the Museum of Zoology, is one of twelve recipients of the Pilkington Prize 2026. The prizes are awarded to individuals who make a substantial contribution to the teaching programme of a Department, Faculty or the University as a whole.
Ed was recognised for excellence and innovation in his University teaching, for his leadership in driving educational improvements and for his exceptional work in widening engagement with the natural world, through his curatorial role.
In his role as Tutor for Access & Outreach at Clare College, Ed has been innovative in widening the diversity of applicants to the University. He co-developed a new residential course where Year 12 students from historically under-represented backgrounds co-curate real museum exhibitions, which has directly led to successful Cambridge applications. Ed has also established new connections with Fenland primary schools, teaching pupils about the natural world and its conservation, and introducing the museum to families that had never previously engaged with the University.
This is the second time Ed has been honoured with the Pilkington Prize. He was first awarded in 2015, during his time at the Institute of Continuing Education.