Professor Mark O’Hara introduces a case study collection from the Elevate Ireland Member Benefit designed to support academics to share innovative teaching practices and gain professional recognition in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape.

This new online compendium showcases some of the most forward‑thinking practice emerging across Irish higher education offering a vibrant snapshot of innovation at work in universities nationwide. 

Bringing together 20–25 case studies authored by practitioners from a wide range of disciplines and professional roles, the collection highlights the creativity, commitment and sector‑wide momentum driving positive change for learners and staff alike. 

Spanning an impressive breadth of themes that reflect the evolving priorities of Irish higher education, the contributors share fresh approaches to staff development, explore novel methods for enhancing learning, teaching and assessment and demonstrate how digital affordances and data‑driven practice are reshaping educational possibilities. Several case studies look to the future of curriculum design, illustrating how institutions are preparing students for an increasingly complex world through future‑facing, flexible and authentic learning experiences. 

Curriculum co‑creation also features prominently, with examples of students, staff and external organisations working in partnership to design impactful learning pathways. Contributions focus on strengthening employability, showcasing initiatives that build confidence, capability and real‑world readiness. There are also innovative strategies for student enablement, emphasising inclusive practice, personalised support and the creation of environments where all learners can thrive. 

Collectively, these case studies offer a rich resource for educators, educational leaders and educational policymakers seeking inspiration, evidence and practical insights. This publication celebrates the ingenuity of Irish higher education practitioners and invites the wider community to engage with ideas that are shaping the sector’s future. 

Professor Mark O’Hara is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a National Teaching Fellow and a winner of the Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence in the UK.

Mark is a former Chair of the UK’s CATE-Network and has over 30 years’ experience leading educational change in a wide variety of roles including undergraduate and postgraduate programme leadership, Head of Student Experience, Associate Dean for Learning, Teaching and Academic Quality and Associate PVC (Education).