THE expert judging panel for The Herald's new Higher Education Awards in association with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has been unveiled.
The group, which will be chaired by Barclay McBain, The Herald's executive editor, includes individuals with expertise in a wide variety of fields including business, politics, higher education funding, academic standards and student support.
Mr McBain, said: "After the success of last year’s inaugural awards and the excellent quality of the submissions we received, my fellow judges and I are looking forward to reviewing and assessing this year’s entries, particularly given the developments there have been in the sector over the past year."
The judging panel includes Professor Jeanne Keay, vice-principal (international) of West of Scotland University, which is a partner in the awards for the second year in a row.
She said: "Last year’s event gave us a real insight into the high-quality work of Scotland’s universities and colleges. I’m looking forward to reviewing the entries for this year’s awards and to celebrating the outstanding achievements of the students and staff across our institutions."
The panel also includes Professor Alice Brown, chairwoman of the Scottish Funding Council, who said the awards were a great way to recognise and celebrate the "amazing things" happening in colleges and universities. She added: "I’m delighted to be on the judging panel again and I can’t wait to see the entries."
Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, who will be on the panel for the first time, said: "There is so much excellent work going on in our universities and colleges across learning, teaching and research that I anticipate my fellow judges and I will have a difficult task deciding between entries."
Jason Miles-Campbell, head of Jisc Scotland, which is a sponsor of the awards, said he was pleased to be one of the judges after being "thrilled" by the levels of innovation in Scotland’s universities and colleges.
He said: "This year, as a member of the judging panel, I look forward to seeing further examples of excellence in technology in education, showing how higher education is leading the way towards our digital Scotland aspirations.”
Another judge is Rowena Pelik, director of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Scotland (QAA), who said: "I am looking forward to reviewing the entries this year. I am expecting the standard and number of entries to be higher after the success of the inaugural awards.
"Judging is hard work, but exciting and very inspiring. There are always new things to discover and some fantastic stores behind the entries."
The judges also include Stewart Maxwell, former convener of the Scottish Parliament's education committee, and David Ross, regional manager of the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
The awards are made up of 12 categories which throw the spotlight on innovation in teaching and research across the sector.
To enter please visit www.herald-events.com/heawards before the deadline of Thursday, May 12 or contact Claire Hunter on 0141 302 7319.
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