Dr Jonathan Nicholls Memorial Essay Prize Finalists Essays

In June 2023 we were delighted to announce that the winner of the Dr Jonathan Nicholls Essay Prize Competition was Ellen Austin, Senior Data Analyst from the LSE.

Ellen was presented with her prize by Jonathan’s wife, Sue Rasmussen, at a ceremony at The Shard in London on 22 June.

Her essay is now published in Perspectives and can be viewed here.

Published shortlisted essays to date include:

Transforming student outcomes through mission-aligned investment: the case for a national graduate-funded endowment by Lydia Dye-Stonebridge

Assessment and feedback in higher education reimagined: using programmatic assessment to transform higher education by Liesbeth K. J. Baartman and Kathleen M. Quinlan

Make higher education institutions places of joy by Ant Bagshaw

Reducing Burden, Enhancing Quality: Ambitions for a New Regulatory Framework by Paul Greatrix: Part One / Part Two

Shortlisted essays are currently being published and will be added to this page as and when they are.

Learn more about Ellen and the shortlisted essayists here.

AHUA Expert Exchange: Governing Student Recruitment: What Senior Leaders Need Their Boards to Ask

Thursday 21st May, 2026, 16.00-17.00

Drawing on recent sector experience and governance reviews, this webinar will explore how executives can support boards to challenge recruitment targets constructively. Panellists from Huron will explore what boards might expect to see on recruitment, how committees can divide oversight effectively, and how dashboards, scenario modelling and risk indicators can enable earlier, better‑quality conversations.