Prof. Dr. Rhys Jones | Educational Innovation in Science | Best Researcher Award
Manchester Metropolitan University | United Kingdom
Dr. Rhys Jones is an internationally respected education consultant and Professor of Statistical Literacy whose career reflects a remarkable combination of academic leadership, teaching excellence, and research innovation. He has become widely known for his ability to transform the way statistics and research methods are taught, integrating curriculum design with modern digital platforms to enhance student engagement and outcomes. His work has spanned leading institutions across different countries, where he has held key positions of responsibility and contributed to shaping educational policies at institutional, national, and international levels. With his distinctive expertise in curriculum development, digital learning, and student-centered pedagogy, Dr. Rhys Jones has consistently demonstrated his ability to inspire learners, mentor future scholars, and lead educational innovation.
Professional Profile
Scopus
ORCID
Education
Dr. Rhys Jones’s academic foundation combines both scientific and pedagogical excellence. He holds a Doctorate in Education, supported by postgraduate qualifications in biomedical sciences, medical science research, and further education. His bachelor’s studies in biology provided him with a strong scientific base, which he later integrated into his career as a teacher, researcher, and educational leader. The range of disciplines he has studied has allowed him to develop a multidisciplinary approach, combining scientific knowledge with critical pedagogical theory. This academic diversity has been central to his success in developing inclusive, innovative, and research-driven approaches to statistics education and curriculum design.
Experience
Over his career, Dr. Rhys Jones has held a variety of high-level academic and leadership positions at internationally recognized universities. His experience includes roles as Associate Dean of Education, senior lecturer, and programmed director, with responsibilities that extended across teaching, curriculum design, staff development, and institutional strategy. He has overseen the educational experience of thousands of students, managed multimillion-pound budgets, and chaired committees that shaped long-term university policies. His professional experience demonstrates not only a dedication to teaching and mentoring but also significant administrative expertise, where he ensured that education strategies aligned with institutional priorities. Beyond the university sector, he has also contributed to national committees and international organizations, ensuring that his impact is felt far beyond the classrooms and faculties he has directly led.
Research Interest
Dr. Rhys Jones’s research interests highlight his commitment to addressing some of the most important challenges in education today. He has explored curriculum innovation in statistics and mathematics education, with particular attention to the role of context in learning and the common misconceptions that students face. He has also carried out extensive research into statistical and mathematical anxiety, identifying barriers that prevent learners from engaging fully with quantitative subjects and proposing strategies to overcome them. His work connects theory with practice, offering evidence-based approaches that help educators adopt effective pedagogies in diverse settings. By integrating digital platforms, learning analytics, and active learning methodologies, his research ensures that statistical literacy is taught in ways that are engaging, accessible, and impactful for students across all disciplines.
Awards
The impact of Dr. Rhys Jones’s contributions has been recognized through prestigious awards and international appointments. He has received awards for educational innovation, for outstanding contributions to curriculum development, and for advancing teaching practices that inspire learners and colleagues alike. He has been elected as a member of distinguished international statistical organizations, invited to deliver keynote lectures at international conferences, and recognized as a mentor in global forums for education and research methods. These honors reflect not only his scholarly excellence but also his leadership and service to the wider academic and professional community. Each recognition demonstrates his ability to influence both policy and practice in education at the highest levels.
Publications
1. Title: Education research: Getting started
Journal: Teaching Statistics
Published on: 2025
2. Title: Education Research: Getting Started
Journal: Preprint (OSF)
Published on: 2025
3. Title: Scientific and statistical investigations: discussion of Watson and Fitzallen’s mystery activity
Journal: Teaching Statistics
Published on: 2025
4. Title: Education Research: Getting Started
Journal: Preprint (OSF)
Published on: 2025
5. Title: Education Research: Getting Started
Journal: Preprint (OSF)
Published on: 2025
6. Title: Active Online; Not Actively Learning
Journal: Conference Paper (IASE)
Published on: 2022
7. Title: New Zealand teachers’ generation problem misconceptions
Journal: Teaching Statistics
Published on: 2021
8. Title: Statistical investigation measuring intelligence and creativity
Journal: Teaching Statistics
Published on: 2018
9. Title: Igniting the Statistical Spark in the Social Sciences
Journal: Journal of Mathematics and Statistical Science
Published on: 2018
Conclusion
Dr. Rhys Jones represents an exceptional combination of academic leadership, innovative research, and teaching excellence. His contributions to statistics education, curriculum development, and digital learning have influenced institutions, educators, and students at both national and international levels. His ability to combine rigorous research with practical teaching strategies has not only advanced academic knowledge but also improved the quality of student learning experiences across disciplines. As a mentor, leader, and researcher, he continues to inspire future generations while shaping the direction of statistical literacy and curriculum reform worldwide. These achievements make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award, a recognition that would honor both his past accomplishments and his ongoing contributions to global education.
