Dr Roxane de Waegh is a Research Assistant at Auckland University of Technology, where she contributes to developing an Aotearoa-specific Researcher Education and Development Framework. Her approach to researcher development is shaped by extensive experience working across South-East Asia and Pacific nations, where she has consistently demonstrated the value of relationship-based practices and meaningful community partnerships. Through her doctoral research exploring community resilience in Tonga and the Cook Islands, and her previous work building research capacity in Myanmar and leading conservation initiatives in Timor-Leste and the Solomon Islands, Dr de Waegh has developed unique insights into how diverse knowledge systems can enhance research practice. Her experience in leading postgraduate peer mentoring groups and organising cross-institutional doctoral symposiums reflects her commitment to building supportive research communities. Her international experience and appreciation for diverse cultural contexts brings valuable perspective to the development of culturally responsive researcher development frameworks.

Dr Anaise Irvine leads Te Kura Hāpai Rangahau, the Researcher Education and Development unit at Auckland University of Technology. With over 10 years’ experience designing and delivering researcher development opportunities, Anaise has developed a sound understanding of Aotearoa researchers’ common challenges and needs at each career stage. Her work focuses on helping research staff and students to navigate the constantly changing research landscape, while maintaining a clear focus on their own research ideas, identity, and goals. With a background in science communication, Anaise has a particular passion for sharing and disseminating research findings to diverse audiences within (and particularly beyond) academia. She leads the annual AUT Research Week event, edits the blog Thesislink, and is heavily involved in AUT’s annual Postgraduate Research Symposium and 3 Minute Thesis competitions.

Michael Palmer is Professor and Barbara Fried Director, Center for Teaching Excellence, University of Virginia, USA.

Mary C. Wright is Professor of Education Scholarship at Educational Innovation, DVC (Education), University of Sydney. Prior to this role, she served as Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning at Brown University (USA).

Carol Hurney is the Associate Provost for Teaching and Learning and was the Founding Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Colby College (USA).

Dr Katya Pechenkina is a cultural anthropologist, teaching and learning scholar, and award-winning senior lecturer at EIX, Swinburne University of Technology. Her research focuses on teaching excellence, impact and evaluation in education, as well as on understanding how educators and students experience technological change. In her role, she oversees a range of strategic initiatives, including the development and refinement of institutional guidelines around the use of artificial intelligence in classrooms. She is also Associate Editor with Electronic Journal of e-Learning; Deputy Leader of Swinburne Women Academic Network (Career Development); and a member of the International Advisory Board of the International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education.

Dr Tracey Sempowicz is a Lecturer in Inclusive Education and Professional Experience. She is the Program Co-ordinator for the Master of Teaching (Primary) Program. She has experience in qualitative research using multi-case study, interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis and NVivo. She was awarded Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy in 2017. Since then, she has mentored and assessed Advance HE applicants to achieve success. Her early research and engagement experience includes mentoring preservice teachers’ reflective practice.

Erin Siostrom lectures in both science curriculum teacher education and tertiary preparation pathway (STEM) courses. An ECR academic, she has demonstrated expertise in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods approaches including thematic analysis, best-worst scaling, correlation analyses, and autoethnographic writing. She has experience working with focus groups, interviews and survey development. She earned national recognition from the Regional Universities Network (RUN) and received a RUN Teaching and Learning award for her research. She was awarded Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy in 2023.

Dr Craig Johnston lectures in History/HASS curriculum and data for learning. He has expertise in data management and analysis, conducting interviews, thematic analysis and public speaking. Dr Johnston is a regular presenter at conferences and university-run events. He is currently working towards Senior Fellowship with the UK Higher Education Academy.