‘It takes a village’ – Northampton researcher wins award as he opens access to higher education for people like himself

Demonstrating the transformative power of higher education, an academic at University of Northampton (UON) who struggled at A-levels, picked up an award for the Best Early Career Research Presentation from one of the country’s leading research authorities.

Michael Maher, an Early Careers Researcher (ECR) at the University of Northampton’s Institute for Social Innovation and Impact, has won the Best ECR Presentation Award at the 2025 British Educational Research Association (BERA) Conference, held on Tuesday, 25 November.

Michael’s award-winning presentation, titled ‘It Takes a Village,’ explores how collaborative classroom communities can transform student engagement and wellbeing—particularly for marginalised and mature learners. His research calls for lecturers to act as facilitators of inclusive learning environments, including the developing of self-supporting student communities.

Michael said: “This research is about more than hitting learning outcomes. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and breaking down barriers that leave some students isolated. When we build strong classroom communities, we empower students to thrive academically and personally.”

Michael’s academic success is the culmination of an extraordinary personal journey. Leaving school at 17 with modest A-level results, he worked long hours in kitchens before deciding to pursue higher education. In 2006, the University of Northampton gave him the opportunity to study for a BA in Politics and Law. He later completed a Master’s Degree and went on to earn a PhD examining social enterprise in Vietnam and Poland.

Since joining the University as a staff member in 2018, Michael has progressed from a Data Manager role to becoming an Associate Lecturer in the Faculty of Business and Law and a researcher committed to driving social impact.

Reflecting on his award, Michael said: “Winning this recognition at a national conference is hugely validating. Like many, I’ve experienced imposter syndrome, but this award reinforces that I belong in academia and that my work can make a difference.”

Karen Jones, Dean of UON’s Faculty of Business and Law said: “Michael is the epitome of what we hope to achieve at UON. There will be many young people out there faced with the challenges and distractions of growing up, secondary school or college may not be their moment to shine.

“But Michael proves that, given an open and inclusive environment and opportunities to succeed, anyone with the desire to do so can dramatically change their prospects through higher education.

“Michael’s passion, commitment and kindness shines through in his research and his teaching and I am sure that over his career he will help transform the lives of many thousands of people.”

To find out more about the transformative power of higher education, browse the courses available at UON.