Nominations are now open. 

Jisc has opened nominations for its annual community champions awards, which recognise and thank the extraordinary individuals going above and beyond in further and higher education (FE and HE), and research.  

Launched in 2020, the Jisc community champions awards encourage collaboration across FE, HE, and research communities throughout the UK, supporting members who expand learning, solve problems and improve the lives of others. 

Nomination categories include: 

• ​Community advocate: an individual who is the beacon for their community, who publicly supports the cause  
• Community tech guru: an individual with a high level of technical skills and knowledge who can break down complexities to help others  
• Community unsung hero: an individual who is always working in the background, getting things done and supporting others  
• Community pioneer: an individual who is at the forefront of change, an early adopter who helps open new lines of activity or thought 

Winners will receive a VIP experience at Digifest 2023, with travel, accommodation and celebratory evening meal included.

Malvika Sharan, a senior researcher for open research at the Alan Turing Institute, and co-lead of The Turing Way, received a community champions award in 2022 for her work in building a community of open science contributors, she said: 

“Throughout my career as a researcher and community facilitator, I have strived to create an inclusive and collaborative space that empowers people to develop and practice computational skills and openness. 

“Being recognised by Jisc and having the opportunity to meet other community managers at Digifest was quite humbling. Seeing how the role works in different contexts and having external examples of how things happen beyond my own ecosystem is an incredible opportunity to learn new things.” 

To nominate your community champion, complete the form before 16 December 2022. 

Good luck to all nominees.