Dr Miri Firth is one of the UK’s most influential voices in educational innovation, widely recognised for transforming how universities design, deliver and evaluate learning through flexible and inclusive assessment. Despite this, her reaction to being named one of the Top 100 Influential People in the UK was “a mixture of surprise, gratitude, and a quiet sense of ‘oh! this matters.’ It wasn’t something I expected, which perhaps made it all the more meaningful.”
With work that has reached over 300,000 students and over 10,000 educators, while her public guidance has influenced sector policy and practice across the UK and internationally, Dr Firth sees the award as “an affirmation of values-led work. This recognition felt like reassurance that doing things thoughtfully, collaboratively and with integrity still counts.”
With so much of Dr Firth’s work surrounding access, inclusion and long-term impact, rather than visibility for its own sake, the fact that the award has “has opened conversations” is very important. “People who might not otherwise have encountered my research or sector work have reached out, curious to learn more. That visibility matters when your aim is to share ideas widely and make research accessible, not hidden.”
Going further, Dr Firth highlights how the award has strengthened her “credibility across education, policy and creative sectors, helping to build partnerships rooted in trust.” Recognition has “sharpened my sense of responsibility” and acted as catalyst in “continuing to build collaborative spaces – through research, teaching, and sector initiatives – where others are supported to lead, question, and create change.”
Recognition has made Dr Firth even more conscious of how influence is used. She sees “that influence is less about position and more about how you use your platform. I’m increasingly conscious of modelling openness, generosity and ethical leadership – particularly for students and early-career professionals watching how leadership is enacted.”
For Dr Firth, applying for the Top 100 is “an opportunity to reflect on work, articulate purpose, and celebrate excellence in ways that inspire others.” As such, the Top 100 Influential People Awards are set apart from other forms of recognition due to the “emphasis on impact and contribution to society.” Dr Firth believes it “felt less about individual status and more about collective good – and that distinction really matters.”