Keynotes Speakers
Dr Danijela Serbic – Winner of the Higher Education Psychology Teacher of the Year Award in 2023
Title: Breaking Barriers: Empowering Early Career and Teaching-Focused Academics
Abstract:
In the current dynamic yet uncertain landscape of higher education, early career academics face many challenges in navigating their roles, particularly within teaching-focused positions. This keynote discusses the importance of fostering supportive environments for these educators and outlines practical strategies contributing to their career development, recognition, and inclusivity, developed within a research-oriented department in the UK. Through collaborative initiatives like the pedagogic group THESIS (Teaching in Higher Education: Supporting and Inspiring Students), early career and teaching-focused academics have gained access to structured career support pathways, fostering their growth and success. Projects and strategies like the THESIS Early Career Teachers Symposium and strategic leadership roles within THESIS exemplify the tangible impact of this approach. Moreover, this collaborative framework not only supports early career and teaching-focused academics but also nurtures a holistic approach to education, wherein they actively engage in co-creating educational initiatives with students. By creating inclusive career support systems, we can elevate the professional development and standing of these academics. Ultimately, these efforts enhance the educational experience for all stakeholders involved.
About the Speaker:
Danijela is a Senior Lecturer (teaching-focused) in the Department of Psychology at Royal Holloway, University of London. She is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society. In 2017, Danijela founded THESIS (Teaching in Higher Education: Supporting and Inspiring Students), a group aimed at enhancing teaching excellence and supporting students and academics, especially those in early career and teaching-focused roles. Danijela is the recipient of several teaching prizes, including the 2023 Higher Education Psychology Teacher of the Year Award from the British Psychological Society. This award recognises her significant contributions to psychology teaching in UK higher education, especially in supporting both students and staff in career development. Beyond her pedagogic work, Danijela’s research is in pain psychology, with a focus on the wellbeing of university students living with chronic pain.
Dr Jane Sedgwick-Müller – PhD, RN, FHEA, NADP, WFADHD
Title: Inclusion teaching and learning for university students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Is it just ‘woke washing?’
Abstract: Woke washing refers to the act of using inclusive practice themes to creative a positive image for institutions of higher education (HEIs) without any taking meaningful action. Inclusive education makes the claim that all university students are entitled to learning experiences that values their diversity, enables their participation by removing barriers, anticipating and respecting different ways of learning and developing. But is this just ‘woke washing?’ I argue the question is a valid one because university students with ADHD continue to be marginalised and disadvantaged under current systems of education and healthcare. I will speak about my research and experience of supporting university students with ADHD. I intend to also call for meaningful action because inclusion education must also work for university students with ADHD. Prevailing notions within HEIs about ADHD being a specific learning difference (or difficulty)/SpLD need to stop. The focus must also be tackling the urgent need for university students with ADHD to have timely access to appropriate academic support, reasonable adjustments and medical treatment.
About the Speaker:
Jane Sedgwick-Müller is a senior lecturer, researcher, program manager for mental health nursing, and chair of the neurodiversity steering committee in Jersey, Channel Islands. She also chairs the supporting university students living with ADHD steering committee, facilitated and supported by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Jane is an executive committee member of the UK Adult ADHD Network (UKAAN), member of the World Federation of ADHD, National Association of Disability Practitioners and co-ADHD champion for the Royal College of Psychiatry. She holds a PhD at the Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, King’s College London. Jane has worked in different healthcare centres such as the Bethlem Royal Hospital – South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, as well as East London NHS Foundation Trust. She joined the London School of Economics & Political Sciences (LSE) to develop and manage a student mental health and well-being service. Her specialist area of practice and research is developing evidence based pathways for supporting university students with ADHD. These are disadvantaged students and their success at university, is also likely to influence their success in highly competitive 21st century employment markets.