Helena Good has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University
A leading design educator who has harnessed the power of creativity to inspire young people has been awarded an honorary doctorate by Edinburgh Napier University (ENU).
Helena Good is the director of Daydream Believers, a non-profit organisation which provides education, training and resources to develop creative skills. Founded in 2017, it now connects schools, universities and industry to help young people see creativity as a vital skill for life.
In partnership with ENU, Helena helped develop and credit-rate the Creative Thinking Qualification at SCQF Level 5 and 6. The qualification gives creativity formal recognition within education and has been praised for offering learners new ways to build confidence and apply their imagination to real-world challenges.
Helena’s honorary doctorate is the latest accolade recognising her work. She was awarded TES UK Lecturer of the Year in 2020 and, in July, received an MBE for services to education. In 2022, Daydream Believers was named one of HundrED’s Top 100 global innovations in education.
Born in Newry, County Down, Helena worked as a graphic designer at a design agency and as a lecturer in the subject prior to establishing Daydream Believers.
She was formally named an Honorary Doctor of the University during a graduation ceremony for students from ENU’s School of Arts & Creative Industries.
Helena said: “I’m deeply honoured to receive this recognition from Edinburgh Napier University.
“Daydream Believers began as a way to reimagine how creativity and education could inspire one another, and to see that vision acknowledged in this way means so much.
“This honour celebrates not just my work, but the incredible community of educators, students, and industry partners who believe that imagination can change the world.”
Formally presenting Helena with her doctorate, Dr Matt Sinclair, Head of Design, Photography & Advertising at ENU, said: Throughout her career, Helena Good has been passionate about nurturing curiosity and creativity.
“Whether it is standing in front of a group of young people dressed as an astronaut, advising Education Scotland about the importance of design and creativity to the country's future, or receiving an MBE, Helena's infectious enthusiasm helps you remember that everyone learns best when the lessons are challenging but fun.”