Could Athenian democracy improve the quality of science?What if universities were governed according to the open culture that drives scientific research itself? Zoltan Dienes and Jörg Huber look at an ancient model for decision-makingZoltan Dienes, Jörg HuberUniversity of Sussex, University of Brighton
The transformative power of mentoring in historically black colleges and universitiesHBCUs’ culture of generosity and community has much to offer all colleges and universities, write Marybeth Gasman and Levon T. Esters. Here, they distill their research into four key elements Marybeth Gasman, Levon T. EstersRutgers University, Penn State University
Sustainability accounting is coming: here’s how to navigate itWe can expect radical changes in sustainability accounting over the next few years. Developing a sustainability mindset for yourself and your students seems like a good place to start, write Sulaiman Aliyu and Toby YorkSulaiman Aliyu, Toby York Middlesex University
Use design thinking and storytelling to help international students find their voicesExchanging stories allows students to express themselves and relate to others, a team at the University of Warwick explain and share activities that encourage thisBo Kelestyn, Nikita Asnani, Minali Sanghani, Weiwei Su, Janet ZhengThe University of Warwick
How practical education and talent management support medical studentsA practice-oriented focus together with personalised talent support lead to success in medical education for local and international students. Here, Alán Alpár explains why teaching, science and patient care must go hand in handAlán AlpárSemmelweis University
Sprinting in hindsight: what we learned from validating university programmes at paceHaving used a Design Sprint methodology for university-wide academic programme validation, has the dash to a photo finish improved quality processes? Zoë Allman and Leanne de Main share their experienceZoë Allman, Leanne de MainDe Montfort University
Use Etherpad to improve engagement in large transnational classesBy leveraging technology to create an anonymous and collaborative space, educators can empower hesitant students to actively contribute and foster a more interactive and inclusive learning environmentYing FengXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
The double-edged sword of open access publishingInclusivity is seen as a benefit of open access publishing, but is this an illusion? Here, William E. Donald asks questions about who pays and what counts, and offers scenarios for a fairer journal modelWilliam E. DonaldUniversity of Southampton
Every student in Scotland can vote: here’s why that should matter to educatorsTeach your students that voting is an investment in the future – and help them build a lifelong habit. Murray Leith offers advice Murray LeithUniversity of the West of Scotland
Four steps for integrating generative AI in learning and teachingFrom class preparation to critical thinking and reflection, this four-step checklist will help university teachers support the ethical and informed use of artificial intelligence tools in the classroomZheng Feei Ma, Antony HillUniversity of the West of England Bristol
How to make the move from academia to academic administrationTransitioning from academia to academic administration requires proactivity and a desire to learn. Here are some tips to help you prepareN. N. SharmaManipal Academy of Higher Education
How to enhance pharmaceutical education through case-based learningCase-based learning helps students apply their knowledge and improve patient outcomes. Here is how to integrate it into pharmaceutical educationNarumol PhosrithongSiam University
Writing courses can be more enriching for international students than you thinkFor many international students, English writing courses are a requirement. While such courses can help them polish their definite articles, they can do so much more. Umasankar Patra suggests harnessing the diversity in your classroomUmasankar PatraThe Indian Institute of Technology Madras
How to harness community knowledge to tackle complex policy challengesWorking with local communities can help uncover new insights to tackle complex social policy challenges. Saffron Woodcraft and Joseph Cook explain how to set up high-impact citizen social science researchSaffron Woodcraft, Joseph CookUCL
Celebrate Black History Year and tackle racial inequality all year longInstead of consigning the recognition of Black histories to one single month, Deborah Husbands, Stephen Bunbury and Dibyesh Anand advocate for a Black History Year Deborah Husbands , Stephen Bunbury, Dibyesh Anand University of Westminster
How to engage with the media and expand the impact of your workAcademic scholars are generally not trained to write for broad audiences, so how do you get your compelling, newsworthy research out there? Gregory R. Goldsmith offers five considerationsGregory GoldsmithChapman University
Finger on the pulse: establish a culture of communication for better feedbackWhy wait until the end of the course to hear from your students? Sasha Lanyon encourages a real-time, authentic approach to student evaluationSasha LanyonThe University of Adelaide
We set up a thought leadership programme to amplify PhD researchDalhousie's OpenThink programme shows how universities can empower the next generation of thought leaders and facilitate public engagement Lynne M. Robinson Dalhousie University
Transition from expert to guide by embracing generative AIIn the process of learning how to use generative AI, Kyrin Liong rekindled her inner student Kyrin LiongSingapore Institute of Technology
How to facilitate knowledge exchange and build trust with policymakersThose seeking to create impact with their evidence should be ready to understand how public sector bodies make sense of the value of research, writes Julian MolinaJulian MolinaThe University of Bristol
Believe it or not, you can use conspiracy theories as tools for teachingWhen misinformation is a global risk, critical thinking skills are more vital than ever, writes Malcolm Schofield. Here, he offers techniques from parapsychology and belief studies that can make research and analysis more rigorous Malcolm SchofieldUniversity of Derby
How to keep LGBTQ+ students safe when studying abroadWhat can universities do to help their LGBTQ+ students study abroad and travel the world, without compromising their safety? Raquel Recuero provides adviceRaquel RacueroHealix
The language of inclusivity is not inclusiveTerms such as equity, diversity and inclusion give the impression that they are dealing with what is present. In fact, EDI work deals with what is absent, writes Pascal Matthias. He offers ways to think, speak and write differentlyPascal MatthiasUniversity of Southampton
What we learned from a pilot study aimed at getting first-generation students into pharmacyMany students have little knowledge of the role and career opportunities of a pharmacist. This is even more so the case for first-generation studentsCarl Harrington, Rosemary Norton The University of East Anglia
Giving graduation a 21st-century makeoverGraduations can be stuffy affairs, writes James Derounian. He suggests that with technological wizardry, student voice and a little awe, universities could add sparkle to the pomp and ritualJames DerounianUniversity of Bolton
Six ways to boost international student recruitment International students bring diversity, talent and economic value to our universities and society. Here are some ways to encourage them to apply to your institutionSteven McGuireUniversity of Sussex
Use technology to boost productivity and beat burnoutAyşe Hyusein advises using a range of techniques and tools for more effective time managementAyşe Hyusein Near East University
How to support individuals with hearing loss at your institution Many people with hearing impairments do not think they need support. Here are some ways to provide it Simon HayhoeThe University of Exeter
Four ways universities can enhance their community impactGo beyond the campus walls to enrich the surrounding community educationally, socially and economically. Xiuli Guo outlines howXiuli GuoUniversity of the West of Scotland
Fostering student co-creation to give back to the communityEngaging in local civic projects offers students meaningful learning opportunities, fosters co-creation and supports the community at large. Here, Martha Sullivan outlines the benefits based on working with the Empty Bowls projectMartha SullivanVirginia Tech
Embedding lean practices in higher educationHow can university processes be more efficient and sustainable? Here’s how one continuous improvement team took a viral approach to efficiency through lean thinking, lean leadership and lean toolkitsTammi Sinha, Pete Rykowski , Michael ShawUniversity of Southampton
Conference presentations 101: master the art of speaking to an audienceDon’t get stage fright when it comes to presenting your research. Ayten Ordu offers her tips for preparing for speaking successAyten OrduNear East University
What support students need to succeed in work placementsStudents in work-based learning placements need support before, through and when returning from their experience. Here is advice for universities and academic tutors to maximise the benefits of the opportunity for allSaheda Begum, Zoë AllmanDe Montfort University
Use students to facilitate impactful collaborations that benefit the communityUsing students to connect third-sector organisations with people who can help them brings benefits to all involved. By Martin ParkerMartin ParkerThe University of Bristol
Cherry-pick the best of in-person and online learning Using the best of in-person and online learning provides a truly blended approach to your students and enriches their learning experience. Ibham Veza and Akilu Yunusa-Kaltungo weigh up the pros and consIbham Veza, Akilu Yunusa-KaltungoUniversiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP)
How to craft a compelling academic CVBeing able to condense your qualifications and achievements into an impactful academic CV is key to standing out as a researcher. Here, Ishwar Bhiradi offers advice on articulation, visual appeal and savvy AI integration to help you make a memorable first impressionIshwar Bhiradi Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Why press releases are a waste of your comms team’s timeMost universities will track press release output as part of overall communications metrics – but, asks Kylie Ahern, have you considered other ways to generate media coverage, awareness of your brand or better relationships with journalists? Kylie AhernSTEM Matters
Use a social approach to boost language learningUsing social activities fosters a more dynamic and meaningful connection between students and the language they’re learning. Yanfang Si offers guidance on building students’ knowledge and skills through structured social activitiesYanfang SiXi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
Protect your emotional well-being for a happier writing experienceWriting academic papers can be a long and emotional journey. Burcu Totur Dikmen offers her tips for emotional well-beingBurcu Totur Dikmen Near East University
How Moocs helped a centuries-old institution change its ways Moocs required us to rethink how to create open and free courses that would engage large numbers of learners. Over the years, we’ve adapted our services in response to lessons we’ve learned from our experiments, write Nikki Stuart and Lauren Johnston-Smith Lauren Johnston-Smith, Nikki StuartThe University of Edinburgh
Driving change through knowledge: how to increase policy impact Academic research is invaluable in informing governments and leaders so they can make decisions that affect us all. Here, Yaryna Basystyuk offers advice on how to make your research count in the policy world Yaryna BasystyukUniversity of Southampton
Why you should do a staff mobility programme and how to set one upWhether you participate in an exchange or a traineeship, mobility programmes offer teachers unparalleled growth, but there are obstacles universities should help staff overcomeShelini Surendran, Paul TownsendUniversity of Surrey
To build a community in higher education, start from the ground upGareth Morris and Fiseha Berhanu Tesema outline grass-roots initiatives to help make your campus a socially cohesive place to work and studyGareth Morris, Fiseha Berhanu Tesema The University of Nottingham Ningbo China
Science communication tips for university marketing teamsWhen research reaches a broader audience, it improves the society we live in and inspires the next generation of scientists. Iris Lai offers her advice on engaging the public with your institution's work Iris LaiThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Don’t just chat(GPT): turn on critical interrogationCritical thinking is often seen as the antidote to generative AI. But what if educators took it one step further back and aimed to encourage students’ curiosity? Giuseppe Cimadoro explainsGiuseppe CimadoroSt Mary’s University Twickenham
A framework for decolonising and diversifying science curriculaActions you can take to make your science curriculum more inclusive and relevant to all studentsAlice Robson , Bronwen Burton , Caroline McKinnon The University of Bristol
How to work smarter, not harder in higher educationFrom effective delegation and tech integration to building networks and embracing self-care, here are some practical tips for academics seeking balanceK. V. SriramManipal Academy of Higher Education
It’s about the journey: navigate the real-world landscape from within the classroomEmbark on a pedagogical road trip, exploring strategies to combine academia with industry dynamics. John Sinclair fastens his seatbelt and starts the engineJohn SinclairColorado State University Global
Targeted support to enhance retention among first-generation studentsOutreach initiatives and support programmes can address first-generation students’ challenges, such as belonging and financial literacy, while increasing retention and graduation rates. Here, Charmaine Troy shares her recommendationsCharmaine TroyGeorgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities
How to keep first-generation students engaged throughout the academic yearEngagement opportunities don’t end with orientation or even the first year of study. Here, Araceli Martinez and Athina Cuevas explain how to build a programme that helps students develop confidence and leadership skills and support the next cohortAraceli Martinez , Athina CuevasChapman University