A University of Cumbria lecturer in Health Science, Dustin Hosseini, has been named one of 15 education and research sector community champions by Jisc.

Community champions are leading lights in the education and research sector.

They dedicate their time by sharing knowledge and technical expertise to encourage collaboration and make a positive impact on colleagues and students across the sector.

Dustin was nominated for his impact within and beyond the University of Cumbria.

As an AI Champion, Dustin has supported institutional developments in the thoughtful use of Generative AI.

He said: “As the late Black US author, theorist and educator, bell hooks reminds us, education must be rooted in care, accountability, and mutuality.

“Being recognised as a community champion is not something I see as an individual achievement, but as a reflection of the collective labour of care, trust‑building and shared inquiry that communities sustain over time, much of which often goes unseen or unacknowledged.

“For me, this recognition affirms the essential value of relational work: listening deeply, holding space for discomfort and difference, and supporting others with integrity.

“To be a community champion is, above all, to remain accountable to that ongoing work.”

The Jisc community champions programme celebrates passionate individuals who make a difference beyond their own institution, bringing people together to solve problems and share experience for the good of all.

Each champion will enjoy a special trip to Jisc’s flagship conference, Digifest, (10-11 March) where they will be able to network and celebrate with other community champions.

Out of 43 nominees, the community champions were chosen by a panel of former champions and Jisc representatives chaired by Carolina Barnes, community specialist and Natasha Veenendaal, head of community and engagement at Jisc.

A full list of community champions, finalists and nominees is available on the Jisc website here.