About the co-creation team

Working together, we explored the literature on co-creation in higher education, considered how co-creative practices could be further embedded across the University, and developed the rationale for a manifesto designed to stimulate discussion and action. Through a process of further co-creation, consultation, and testing across the University of Edinburgh and beyond, the manifesto evolved into a shared statement of principles. Thanks to Ivy Zheng a student from Edinburgh College of Art, who won the design competition to create the Manifesto logo and visual identity. 

This work has been presented at the Researching, Advancing and Inspiring Student Engagement (RAISE) Conference 2025 and the University of Edinburgh Learning and Teaching Conferences 2025 and 2026 and disseminated through School-level teaching networks. 

We are:  

Catherine Bovill 

Cathy is Professor of Student Engagement in Higher Education and Head of Academic Development. With a background in health promotion and a PhD in international development, she has been an academic developer for 20 years supporting the enhancement of teaching and the development of teachers within numerous universities. Cathy is a National Teaching Fellow, Fulbright Scholar (2019-20), Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association. She is considered a world leader in co-created curriculum, student-staff partnership in learning and teaching, and student engagement, and has published over 60 articles and books and given over 100 keynote presentations and masterclasses in 15 countries. 

Céline Caquineau 

Céline is a Senior Lecturer at the Edinburgh Medical School, a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and Programme Organiser for the BSc Honours Biomedical Sciences programme. She leads the Biomedical Sciences Educational Research Hub, promoting and supporting colleagues in engaging in research in Teaching and Learning. Her current interest focuses on relational pedagogies, student–staff partnerships, and transnational education. Céline is a strong co-creation advocate and encourages all staff and students to give it a go! Céline can be contacted at c.caquineau@ed.ac.uk 

Heather McQueen 

Heather is Professor of Biology Education in the College of Science and Engineering and a National Teaching Fellow. She designed and led one of the new first year, first semester courses that is compulsory for all Edinburgh biology students and which focusses on skills, collaboration and interactive learning to support the transition into university. Her main research focusses on interactive and inclusive learning using student-posed quecture questions and she is also interested in creativity in learning. She is Chair of the School SoTL Committee and practices co-creation throughout her course design, her teaching and her research. Heather can be contacted at h.mcqueen@ed.ac.uk. 

Rea Michalopoulou 

Rea is a final year PhD Candidate in Clinical and Health Psychology and a Fellow of the AdvanceHE. Her doctoral research centres on the intersection of child development, infectious disease understanding, and digital health technologies. She co-designed a VR game for biology education and health communication with primary school children. Her expertise is underpinned by an academic background in education and professional experience in the mental health sector. She has been involved in the design of two Challenge Courses as part of Communities of Practice at the University of Edinburgh and is a strong advocate of co-creation in academic learning, teaching and assessment. Rea can be contacted at Rea.Michalopoulou@ed.ac.uk. 

Callum Paterson 

Callum is Design Lead on the Student Voice Project within Student Analytics, Insights, and Modelling (Registry Services). He previously worked in the Student Voice team at the Students’ Association, supporting and working closely with over 1300 student representatives per year. A graduate of the School of Biological Sciences, he has seen the power of co-creation in different forms both during his studies and on the other side working with students both within and outside of their studies. Callum can be contacted at c.paterson@ed.ac.uk.  

Neneh Rowa-Dewar 

Neneh is a Senior Lecturer at the Edinburgh Medical School, who co-directs the Masters of Public Health. She is currently seconded to Edinburgh Futures Institute as their Director of Students and has a background in health, tobacco and family research. She has co-created teaching and learning networks with students and alumni and is an advocate for student partnerships, voice and co-creation. Neneh can be contacted at Neneh.Rowa-Dewar@ed.ac.uk 

Haolan Tu  

Haolan is a final year PhD Candidate and incoming Postdoctoral Research Associate at the College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine. She is an Associate Fellow of the AdvanceHE and has supported the delivery and evaluation of Challenge Courses and Experiential Learning Courses at the University of Edinburgh. Haolan can be contacted at Haolan.Tu@ed.ac.uk