In 2023, a group of committed academics came together to address a key issue in higher education: the lack of support for teaching-focused staff. Building on their previous individual and joint work, they had already started creating resources around recognising and rewarding higher education academics and scholars. They recognised that, while there were many scholarly resources available, many educators struggled to make use of them effectively. They wanted to create a space where not only resources, but also collaboration, community, and professional development could thrive.
This vision led to the creation of Shining the Spotlight on Scholarship (SOS): Building a Web Resource for All, a platform designed to support and empower teaching-focused academics. The vision began with the realisation that many teaching staff lacked access to tailored support, especially those aspiring for national teaching excellence recognition. SOS was designed as a space to meet these needs—offering resources, networking opportunities, and a community where educators could share experiences and grow together.
In 2024, the first major milestone came with the development of the platform’s initial version SOS project which was showcased at the ANTF Symposium. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the demand for such a resource. But SOS was never meant to be a static project. The goal was always to build something dynamic—something that would evolve with the needs of its users.
Building the Platform with Purpose
A crucial step in the development of SOS was the recruitment of two interns, thanks to funding from ANTF Collaborative Innovation Project (CiP) that provides funding for appropriate ANTF projects mapped against the WISER themes WISER themes. This funding made it possible to bring fresh perspectives into the project while providing invaluable work experience to students. The recruitment process was highly competitive, drawing over 15 applicants for just two positions. We selected two interns with complementary skills: one focusing on the website’s design and user experience, and the other tasked with creating tools to measure the platform’s impact.
In October 2024, the first intern began work on redesigning the website, this will be presented at the 2025 symposium. The goal was to transform the original website and create an intuitive, visually appealing platform that would cater to a wide range of users. The redesign wasn’t just about aesthetics—it was about creating a functional space that educators could easily navigate while searching for relevant resources or connecting with peers.
By February 2025, the second intern will take over, tasked with developing an evaluation tool that will measure the platform’s effectiveness. This tool will gather crucial data on how SOS is being used, which will guide future updates and ensure the platform continues to meet the needs of its growing community.
A Resource for Collaboration, Not Just Information
What sets SOS apart is that it’s not just a website filled with resources; it’s a space for real collaboration. The platform focuses on themes such as Wellbeing, Innovation, Equity and Ethics, and Reward and Recognition and reflecting the WISER themes of the ANTF (WISER) critical areas for teaching-focused staff. It encourages users to not only access resources but also engage in discussions, share experiences, and learn from each other.
This collaborative approach was fundamental to the platform’s creation. By including students in the development process, we were able to create a resource that reflects the diverse needs and experiences of the academic community. The involvement of interns has also created a sense of shared ownership, ensuring that the platform remains relevant and responsive to users’ needs.
Looking to the Future
As the platform continues to evolve, key milestones lie ahead. In May 2025, we will present SOS at the ANTF Symposium, where we will gather further feedback from the academic community. The project will remain flexible, adapting to the needs of its users and ensuring that SOS remains a dynamic, sustainable resource.
The project team comprises a diverse group of academics from various disciplines, ensuring a breadth of perspectives and expertise. The team members are:
Earle Abrahamson – Professor of SoTL (Project Lead), University of Hertfordshire
Sue Beckingham – Principal Lecturer, Sheffield Hallam University
Hannah Cobb – Professor of Archaeology and Pedagogy, The University of Manchester
Rose Gann – Professor of Politics Education, Nottingham Trent University
Julie Hulme – Professor of Psychology Education, Nottingham Trent University
Dawne Irving-Bell – Professor of Learning and Teaching, BPP University
Iain Wilson – Senior Lecturer in Psychology and Teaching and Learning of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University
Peter D’Sena – Professor of History and Education, University of Hertfordshire
Emma Gillaspy – Reader in Creative and Collaborative Learning, University of Central Lancashire
Susan Smith – Professor of Accounting, Deputy Director (Student Experience), UCL School of Management
Student Interns: Martin Ožarek and Sukhada Nagpure
Technical Advisor: Paulina Milewska
