IUCEL 2025 invites nominations to recognize individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions in promoting and advancing e-learning at both national and international levels. With six award categories, this recognition celebrates innovation, impact, and excellence in digital education.

The Higher Education e-Learning MAESTRO Award celebrates an individual who is widely recognized for their passion, innovation, and influence in e-learning. A true maestro, this leader has transformed digital learning, enriched educational experiences, and created lasting impacts within the academic community. Through their work, they continue to inspire others and set new benchmarks for excellence in higher education.

The Best Trend‑Setter Award recognizes an individual who has been a driving force in transforming the teaching and learning ecosystem at any educational level.

Judges will look for innovation and impact in areas such as

• Unique content creation

• Engaging design

• Creative use of multimedia

• Interactivity

• User‑friendliness

• Added value for learners

This award recognizes exceptional inclusive / open educational resources (iOER/OER), including videos, PDFs, slide decks, interactive tools, and more. These resources aim to enhance teaching methods by providing inclusive, engaging, and impactful learning experiences. The award highlights the creative integration of iOER/OER that supports specific learning objectives, stimulates curiosity, motivates learners, and promotes accessibility.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Accessibility & Inclusivity – The iOER/OER supports diverse learners (language, abilities, background).
2. AI Integration – Use of AI to personalize learning, enhance content delivery, or recommend resources.
3. Open Licensing & Reusability – Compliance with open licenses (e.g., Creative Commons); easy to adapt and share.
4. Pedagogical Effectiveness – Clear learning outcomes, engaging instructional design, and content quality.
5. Reach & Impact – Demonstrated adoption or impact in educational settings (downloads, users, feedback).
6. Technical Quality – Functional, user-friendly design with multimedia or interactive elements.

Bonus Points: iOERs/OERs that receive stakeholder feedback, research-based impact, and endorsements from peers or institutions will be recognized with heightened consideration. Broader validation, such as surveys or studies, will be valued more than anecdotal testimonials.

This award recognizes excellence in micro-credentials — bite-sized, flexible, and skill-focused learning experiences — that are reshaping lifelong education and workforce readiness. It celebrates credential programs that are innovative, industry-aligned, and personalized, especially when powered by AI and designed with inclusivity in mind.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Alignment with Industry Needs – Skills taught are relevant, current, and aligned with career pathways.
2. AI-Enhanced Personalization – Use of AI for adaptive learning, skill tracking, or assessment feedback.
3. Assessment & Credibility – Valid, transparent assessment with clear links to learner achievement.
4. Modular Design – Structured, stackable, and flexible to suit varied learner goals.
5. Inclusivity & Accessibility – Available to learners across different backgrounds or capabilities.
6. Recognition & Uptake – Evidence of institutional/industry recognition or user adoption.

Note: Standout entries will show strong evidence of learner achievement, institutional endorsement, and employer recognition.

This award celebrates thriving digital learning communities that bring people together to collaborate, support, and grow, both academically and personally. It recognizes platforms and initiatives that leverage technology and AI to build safe, inclusive spaces that foster sustained learner engagement and peer-driven development.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. Community Engagement – Level of active participation, collaboration, and peer learning.
2. AI for Interaction & Support – Use of chatbots, learning analytics, or recommender systems to support the community.
3. Inclusiveness – Encourages diverse voices and equitable participation across users.
4. Sustainability & Growth – Demonstrated continuity, expansion, or replication of the community model.
5. Impact Evidence – Qualitative or quantitative data showing influence on learning outcomes or user satisfaction.
6. Innovative Practices – Creative use of platforms or technologies to support community interaction.

Note: Communities backed by learner testimonials, usage data, or research studies will be given special consideration.

This award highlights transformative digital initiatives in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) that prepare learners for real-world, hands-on careers. It celebrates creative use of digital tools, AI, and immersive technologies to deliver effective, skills-based learning at scale.

Evaluation Criteria:

1. AI-Driven Solutions – Integration of AI to simulate practical tasks, provide real-time feedback, or automate assessments.
2. Relevance to TVET Needs – Addresses specific industry-based competencies or skill gaps.
3. Hands-on & Interactive Design – Use of simulations, AR/VR, or gamification for practical engagement.
4. Accessibility for Learners – Inclusive of learners from underserved or marginalized groups.
5. Employability Impact – Contribution to real-world skill acquisition and job readiness.
6. Innovation & Scalability – Novelty of approach and potential for broader application across sectors.

Note: Judges will favour innovations that are scalable, sustainable, and show potential for cross-sector application.