Dr David Nichol is an Assistant Professor of Education at Northumbria University and a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA). His research examines academic identity and the ways collaborative, co-constructive pedagogies can enrich professional learning. He focuses particularly on designing and evaluating innovative, practice-informed approaches that strengthen educator confidence and preparedness in both school and higher education settings.

David’s work sits at the intersection of pedagogy and professional practice, with a keen interest in how structural and institutional conditions shape the experiences of early career academics. He is committed to developing inclusive, sustainable models of academic development and to rethinking how professional learning is supported across diverse educational contexts.

In 2024, David received a Collaborative Award for Teaching Excellence (CATE) in recognition of his contributions to teaching and academic development. He has also led academic development programmes in the Post-Compulsory Education and Training (PCET) sector, reflecting his ongoing commitment to supporting educators at all stages of their careers.