University of Birmingham Professor awarded Academic Citizen of the Year

Dr Karen Guldberg, Professor of Autism Studies, has been named 2025 Academic Citizen of the Year by the British Educational Research Association (BERA).

The BERA award recognises a colleague working in educational research who has made a significant contribution to the discipline as a whole and the academic community, going above and beyond their normal teaching and research duties to make a difference.

Professor Guldberg is Head of the School of Education, Professor in Autism Studies and former Director of the Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER) at the University of Birmingham. She is passionate about making a difference in education through her research and teaching on autism studies and inclusive practice in education.

Professor Guldberg has published the book ‘Developing Excellence in Autism Practice: Making a Difference in Education’ (Routledge) as well as over 50 peer-reviewed studies on the need for new methodologies in the field, autism pedagogy and technology enhanced learning for autistic pupils. She has been Principal-Investigator (P-I) or Co-Investigator (C-I) on 32 research or Knowledge Exchange projects. She led the development of the Autism Education Trust (AET) partnership school-based professional development programme as well as its adaptation to Early Years. Over 400,000 educators have now completed this professional development programme.

Professor Guldberg chaired the Department for Education’s (DfE) Neurodivergence Task and Finish Group with an aim to increase understanding of inclusion and drive support for neurodivergent children and young people in mainstream education. She is also a member of the DfE Expert Advisory Group for Inclusion, advising the government on improvements to the education system for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Professor Guldberg said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been given this award. BERA is such an important membership organisation supporting educational researchers to have a positive influence on society. In all areas of my work, I am very lucky to be working with amazing people who genuinely want to engage in research that matters. It is truly humbling to work with the research community and with teams of colleagues across different sectors. I hope that we are collectively making a difference through our work in education.”

In nominating Professor Guldberg for the award, Professor Laura Crane, Director of ACER at the University of Birmingham, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Professor Karen Guldberg has been awarded the BERA Academic Citizen of the Year award. Karen is not only an outstanding scholar and leader, but also an incredibly generous and collaborative academic citizen whose influence is felt across educational research, policy, and practice. Her career has been marked by innovation and impact, but what truly sets her apart is the way she empowers others, fosters inclusive communities, and leads with kindness and compassion.

“Karen’s knowledge exchange activities have significantly increased public understanding of autism and inclusive education. She goes far beyond the expectations of academic life to develop national and international CPD frameworks, shape government policy, and embed inclusive practices across educational systems. Yet despite the scale of her achievements, Karen remains grounded, generous, and deeply committed to the people around her.

“Karen is a role model to me personally, and to so many of us within the School of Education at the University of Birmingham. She shows us what academic citizenship can look like when it is rooted in care, inclusion, and a genuine desire to make a difference. I have no doubt that this admiration extends far beyond our institution. Karen’s career is a testament to what academic citizenship should be, and I can think of no one more deserving of this prestigious award.”

The University of Birmingham’s School of Education is committed to ensuring individuals of all backgrounds and abilities have access to a high quality, inclusive education. The Autism Centre for Education and Research (ACER), based within the School of Education, is a world-leading centre focused on research, teaching and engagement activities that are designed to make a genuine difference to the lives of autistic people and those who support them.