Eileen Scanlon is Regius Professor of Open Education, an award she received for her exceptional contributions to the fields of educational technology and public engagement with the sciences. Her award also reflects the exceptionally high quality of teaching and research within The Institute of Educational Technology (IET).
Eileen has a background in science communication teaching and research, and educational technology. She holds a number of senior management roles and visiting posts. She is Associate Director of Research and Innovation in the Institute of Educational Technology at the Open University, UK. As Associate Director she has institutional responsibility for developing research strategy in educational technology. Eileen is also Visiting Professor in Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh and a Trustee at Bletchley Park. Previously, she has held visiting academic appointments at University of California (Berkeley) and the University of London.
Eileen began her full-time OU career in 1975, working in the Deanery of The Science Faculty. She completed her PhD in 1990 studying cognitive models of physics problem solving. Eileen has worked in IET since 1978 where she has held a number of roles, including Director of the Computers and Learning Research Group (CALRG). She was also Director of the interfaculty centre of excellence, the Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology (CREET).
Eileen has contributed to a number of postgraduate teaching projects, including leading roles in the development of Contemporary issues in science learning and Communicating science in the information age.