Glasgow teacher awarded top science honour after cycling accident

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 08:31 · Archive

Stuart Naismith, a Glasgow teacher, has been awarded the 2026 Royal Society Hauksbee Award after a cycling accident prompted his career change.

Stuart Naismith, a 39-year-old Glasgow teacher, has been awarded the 2026 Royal Society Hauksbee Award after a cycling accident about 11 years ago prompted a major career change. He was struck by a car while cycling home from work in Glasgow, sustaining injuries to his shoulder, spine and coccyx, as well as permanent hip damage and chronic pain. He returned to work on crutches, but the experience made him reconsider his future in vehicle finance and train as a primary school teacher instead.

Despite having no formal science background, Mr Naismith has built an international audience through his free Stem with Mr N project. His science videos have recorded more than 500,000 views on YouTube and 5.5 million on TikTok. Resource packs have been distributed to about 900 teachers in 69 countries, with a potential reach of more than 330,000 pupils. One TikTok video showing an air-pressure experiment that failed and covered him in red liquid during a school assembly attracted 2.4 million views.

Mr Naismith has now joined Kelvinside Academy in Glasgow as its new teacher of innovation, leading hands-on projects for every junior school year and two S1 classes. 'The accident was a turning point,' he said. 'I had expected to continue working in business, but it forced me to think seriously about whether that was what I wanted to do with my life.'

How it is being reported

• Award-winning teacher reveals how cycling accident sparked career changeA life-changing event led to a career switch and a new path to successThe Herald · 26 Oct, 07:58
• Glasgow teacher shares how cycling accident sparked career change"I had expected to continue working in business, but it forced me to think seriously about whether that was what I wanted to do with my life."Glasgow Live · 26 Oct, 07:18

In this story: Stuart Naismith · Royal Society · Glasgow · Kelvinside Academy · University of the West of Scotland

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