Championing Inclusive Education: Maria’s vision for equity in learning

02 Dec 2025

Teaching Excellence Award winner Dr Maria Canal shares her vision for embedding inclusivity across the University and what’s next for creating equitable learning environments.

When Maria first arrived in Manchester 20 years ago as a postdoctoral researcher in circadian rhythms, she couldn’t have imagined the impact she would go on to make in shaping inclusive education across the University.

Today, as Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience, Deputy Director (Inclusive Education) for the School of Biological Sciences, and FBMH Success Hub Inclusive Education Lead, Maria is a driving force behind strategies that ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Her work recently earned her a Teaching Excellence Award, recognising a career-long commitment to equity and inclusion in teaching and learning.

Award-winning commitment to inclusivity

Maria’s research background is in biological rhythms, exploring how early light environments shape the developing circadian clock within our brains, but her passion for teaching and equity has defined her career at Manchester.

Maria’s Teaching Excellence Award submission focused on how, over the years, she has consistently championed inclusivity at the institutional level and beyond. Her approach, grounded in best practice, has involved developing strategies to address awarding gaps and embedding inclusivity into the heart of the curriculum.

“My goal has always been to foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment,” Maria explains. “Ultimately, it’s about ensuring equity of student outcomes.”

A career shaped by Manchester

Originally from Barcelona, Maria reflects on two decades at the University with pride:

“Teaching here has been incredibly rewarding, shaped by the city’s vibrant, diverse community and its rich cultural and academic life. Manchester is a place where ideas thrive, and being part of that energy makes every day inspiring.”

How it feels to be recognised

“Being recognised with a Teaching Excellence Award for my work on inclusive education is truly humbling. I’m deeply grateful for the unwavering support and encouragement from both students and colleagues, whose collaboration and belief in this vision made it possible.”

What’s next?

This recognition strengthens Maria’s commitment to advancing inclusive education. Her next steps include fostering collaboration across disciplines and creating resources to help educators embed inclusivity into every aspect of teaching and learning.

“Inclusive education isn’t a project — it’s a culture we build together.”

Congratulations to Maria and all our Teaching Excellence Award winners. Their work is shaping the future of education at Manchester.