Dr Tobin, an expert in family law, is the first University of Galway law academic to secure the national award.

The university previously awarded him the College of Business Public Policy and Law Award for Excellence in Teaching and Learning in 2023, and the College of Business Public Policy and Law Dean’s Award for Inclusive Teaching in 2021.

In the past year Dr Tobin’s first book, The Legal Recognition of Same-Sex Relationships: Emerging Families in Ireland and Beyond, was shortlisted for the Society of Legal Scholars’ Margaret Brazier Prize for Outstanding Scholarship.

Beyond his teaching at university, Dr Tobin has an extensive media presence, informing public debate on contemporary family law issues, and making numerous, invited written and oral policy contributions to Oireachtas committees.