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BERA Council and Committees

Engagement Committee

The role of the Engagement Committee is to:

  • Ensure that BERA supports its members appropriately in the light of our three strategic objectives: to advance research quality; build research capacity; and foster research engagement
  • Monitor and review the offer BERA makes to its membership in line with Council’s strategic direction for the organisation and its priorities
  • Monitor and review opportunities for BERA members to publicise, develop and share high quality research in ways that foster engagement with the Association and support the development of educational research and researchers
  • Review the composition of BERA’s membership and how the health of the organisation can be best served in line with Council’s strategic priorities
  • Consider the strategic interests of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in BERA’s work and activities
  • Review the health of BERA’s Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and Forums, monitoring their activities in terms of quality, impact, reach and academic range
  • Oversee BERA’s programme of awards and fellowships, ensuring that their range supports BERA’s strategic objectives, and that in process, award criteria and outcome they uphold the highest academic standards of quality, objectivity and rigour.
  • Regularly review the criteria and processes for BERA’s awards and fellowships
  • Ensuring processes are transparent including open invitation to members to serve on the committee

If you would be interested in joining this Committee please contact secretariat@bera.ac.uk 

Chair of the Engagement Committee

Profile picture of Gerry Czerniawski
Gerry Czerniawski, Professor

Professor of Education/Research Degrees Leader at University of East London

Gerry Czerniawski runs the Professional Doctorate in Education at UEL and teaches on Initial Teacher Education (ITE) courses. In addition to his role as a researcher, author and teacher educator he is the Lead Editor of the BERA Blog and a...

Engagement Committee Members

Profile picture of Oliver Hooper
Oliver Hooper, Dr

Lecturer at Loughborough University

Dr Oliver Hooper is a Lecturer in Physical Education and Youth Sport within the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University. Oliver’s research explores young people’s experiences within physical education, health...

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Ming Cheng, Professor

Professor of Higher Education at Sheffield Hallam University

Ming Cheng is a Professor of Higher Education at Sheffield Hallam University. She has over 15 years’ international experience of working at British and Chinese universities. Her research interest includes international student academic and...

Profile picture of Leanne Henderson
Leanne Henderson, Dr

Lecturer at Queen's University Belfast

Leanne Henderson is a lecturer in education studies in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work at Queen’s University Belfast. Her research centres on young people’s educational trajectories and transitions. She was...

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Melissa Jogie, Dr

Senior Lecturer in Education Practice at University of Roehampton

Melissa is an Early Career Researcher in Education at the University of Roehampton, leading on an institution-wide initiative to develop a research and knowledge exchange culture and citizenship across staff and postgraduate students. In 2021 she...

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Tanya Ovenden-Hope, Professor

Professor of Education & Dean at Plymouth Marjon University

Professor Tanya Ovenden-Hope is Provost and Professor of Education at Plymouth Marjon University. In 2018 she developed and opened Marjon University Cornwall based in Truro, which she leads. Tanya is a committed and enthusiastic educationalist...

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Thomas Harriott, Dr

Faculty of Education

Thomas is an experienced senior leader, researcher and teacher in London comprehensive secondary state schools, currently Assistant Principal at a large school in Croydon. Thomas’ Doctor of Education degree from the University of Cambridge...

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Mabel Encinas, Dr

Senior Lecturer in Education at London Metropolitan University

Mabel has a strong commitment and passion for equality, diversity, and social inclusion. She is a Senior Lecturer in Education at London Metropolitan University. Her research focuses on creative strategies for learning and teaching, including...

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Adam Hart, Dr

Lecturer in Music Technology at University of Salford

Dr Adam Hart is a lecturer in music technology at the University of Salford. He has a background in secondary education and audio programming, and his research interests involve creative advocacy through interactive technology. His PhD project...