An academic from Aberdeen University has received a prestigious award from the Royal Historical Society.
Professor Marjory Harper – from the School of Divinity, History and Philosophy – was named the winner of the Jinty Nelson award at the society’s Publication, Teaching and Fellowships Awards for 2020, which were held virtually.
The society recognised Professor Harper for her work, which spans three decades, and her “inspirational” teaching.
Judges were particularly keen to recognise her work in setting up an online MLitt programme in Scottish history and heritage – as it was the first online degree of its type.
Professor Harper said: “One of the main challenges in running an online programme is to address the potential for participants to feel isolated.
“I was concerned at how we would foster the collegiality that comes more naturally with campus-based learning.
“But from the outset the students have been brilliant in engaging with each other and creating their own community, especially on the discussion boards.
“It has been extremely rewarding to see the programme come to fruition and this award from the Royal Historical Society is a tribute to everyone who has taken part – colleagues and students alike.”