Education-focused academics in pursuit of third-space visibility: a five-step process

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi33.1193

Keywords:

third space, education-focused academics, visibility, infrastructure

Abstract

Education-focused academics were introduced to enhance the quality of education and assist universities in addressing sector metrics that would place them favourably within an increasingly competitive environment. We argue that they form part of third-space staff in universities as their work remains mostly hidden as part of a ‘taken-for-granted’ infrastructure. Following the infrastructure metaphor, we propose a five-step process in the career development of education-focused academics, from early career to educational leaders, that would bring visibility to their work and that of other third-space occupants. Making third-space work visible on the personal, organisational, and sectoral levels will ensure real impact and fulfilment of its disruptive and transformative potential for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Author Biographies

Antonios Kaniadakis, Brunel University London

Antonios Kaniadakis is an education-focused Reader in the Department of Computer Science, Brunel University, London. He is a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is involved in mentoring and developing education-focused academics. He holds a PhD in Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies from the University of Edinburgh and publishes on social and managerial aspects of digital innovation.

Fiona Denney, Brunel University London

Fiona Denney is Professor of Leadership and Business Education in the Brunel Business School, Brunel University, London. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and an Academic Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. In a higher education career of over 25 years, Fiona has worked in both academic and third-space roles and has researched and written about leadership in universities. She is interested in how people in all areas of academia can be supported and developed in leadership roles and how the pipeline into leadership can better represent all those working in universities.

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Published

30-01-2025

How to Cite

Kaniadakis, A., & Denney, F. (2025). Education-focused academics in pursuit of third-space visibility: a five-step process. Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (33). https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi33.1193

Issue

No. 33 (2025): Special Edition, Third Space In HE

Section

Careers and professional development

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