New Associate Principal joins Queen Mary to lead online learning development

Gideon joins Queen Mary from Imperial College London, where he spent the past three years as Director of Digital Learning and Innovation. Previously, he spent 5 years at Leiden University leading the Centre for Innovation where he founded the Online Learning and New Media lab, as well as HumanityX, a knowledge hub for scientists and practitioners interested in applying Big Data Analytics to the fields of peace and justice. At Queen Mary he will report directly to Professor Colin Bailey, the University’s President and Principal.

This appointment signals the progress that Queen Mary is making on its ambition to be the most inclusive university of its kind, anywhere. Its online learning provision will open up the opportunity of a Queen Mary education to more people, removing the barriers of location and access. Expanding the online portfolio in innovative ways will widen the University’s reach and impact, enabling students to access a Queen Mary education in various ways regardless of whether they are able to join campus-based programmes.

Professor Colin Bailey commented ‘I’m delighted to welcome Gideon to Queen Mary. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience to spearhead our digital education ambitions. Digital learning is a core aspect of our University Strategy, and it is fantastic to have Gideon at its helm.’

This commitment to expanding learning opportunities over the long term, complements flexible learning options that Queen Mary has developed in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. Students around the world will be able to enjoy the benefits of learning at Queen Mary over the coming year through an innovative blended learning offer that combines the best of online provision with face-to-face opportunities; and opportunities to start postgraduate courses in January, including a range of accelerated programmes.