The BERA Academic Citizen of the Year is an award intended to recognise a colleague working in educational research who has made a significant contribution to the discipline as a whole and the academic community through their academic citizenship over the past academic year.

We are proud to announce that Professor Mark Priestley has been named the BERA Academic Citizen of the Year for 2024. This award recognises his dedication to academic citizenship and his significant contributions to the educational community, both in the UK and internationally.

Professor Priestley’s leadership in the academic community is exemplified by his roles as Director of Research in the Education Division at the University of Stirling and Director of the Stirling Centre for Research into Curriculum Making (SCRCM). He has played a pivotal role in enhancing the profile of The Curriculum Journal during his six-year tenure as Lead Editor, where he introduced the ‘Curriculum in Professional Practice’ forum. This initiative fosters meaningful dialogue among educators, policymakers, and professionals, helping to connect academic research with practical applications in curriculum design and implementation.

His commitment to academic service extends to several key professional organisations. Professor Priestley has served as Co-Convenor of the European Educational Research Association’s Network 3 (Curriculum Innovation) for a decade, and as a member of the General Assembly of the International Assembly for the Advancement of Curriculum Studies. He is also actively involved in the Scottish Education Council and serves on the Advisory Board for the UCL Centre for Teaching and Research.

Professor Priestley is not only a leader in formal academic settings but also a strong advocate for community engagement. Through the SCRCM, he has facilitated numerous seminars and webinars, reaching over 600 participants from schools, colleges, universities, policy, and third sector organisations. His efforts ensure that the benefits of academic work are shared broadly and contribute to ongoing professional development across the educational landscape. He has completed 12 doctoral students and continues to support 7 others. 

Congratulations to Professor Priestley on receiving the BERA Academic Citizen of the Year award and we look forward to witnessing his continued contributions to the field of education.