Nominations now open for Jisc community champions 2026
Celebrate the champions in your communities and nominate them for the Jisc community champions programme.
Who brings their passion for education and research to make a far-reaching impact? Who looks to the bigger picture to inspire colleagues and positive change right across the sector?
Since 2020, Jisc’s community champions programme brings together extraordinary individuals who are beacons for their community.
Communities are essential places filled with passion and care. They help us connect, navigate new technologies, evolving pedagogies, and remind us how people are at the forefront of change.
Every year, Jisc announces fifteen new community champions who are treated to a VIP trip to Digifest with all expenses paid where they meet other champions and enjoy the two-day event. Champions will also become part of our alumni community, which is a supportive group who meet and encourage more cross-sector collaboration.
Nominations are now open for 2026 of community champions. Let us recognise the people in your institutions who make a real difference - those who inspire, support, and share invaluable knowledge.
The community champion categories are:
- Community advocate: an individual who is the beacon for their community, who raises awareness and publicly supports the cause
- Community connector: an individual who is always working in the background, getting things done, supporting others and building bridges
- Community innovator: an individual who is at the forefront of change, an early adopter who helps open new lines of activity or thought
- Community tech expert: an individual with a high level of technical skills and knowledge who breaks down complexities to help others
For each nomination our selection panel will consider impact, reach and passion.
Natasha Veenendaal, head of community and engagement at Jisc, said:
“Communities are the heartbeat of education and research. They help us solve problems, share best practices, and ensure no one feels isolated. The community champions programme is our way of recognising those who make this possible.”
The closing date is midnight, 14 December 2025, with winners announced in February 2026.