51cg

Biography

Dr Debbie Meharg is Head of Computing Science at the 51cg and a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA), recognised for her strategic leadership and longstanding commitment to educational inclusion, innovation, and excellence.

With over a decade of academic leadership experience, Dr Meharg has successfully led interdisciplinary teams, overseen curriculum development, and driven institution-wide initiatives that enhance access to computing and digital education. She previously served as Head of Applied Informatics at Edinburgh Napier University, where she developed and implemented a range of nationally recognised programmes, including graduate apprenticeships and widening access schemes that foster stronger transitions from further education into higher education.

Her research focuses on Computing Science Education, particularly inclusive pedagogy, curriculum design, and transitions into and through university. She has led projects exploring digital literacies, the role of co-design in education, and widening participation in STEM, with a particular emphasis on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups. Her work often intersects policy, practice, and research, and she is an advocate for participatory methods and equitable access to computing.

Dr Meharg plays an active role in shaping the wider discipline through leadership in national bodies such as SICSA (the Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance), where she has contributed to educational strategy and sector-wide initiatives across Scotland.

External Memberships

• Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA)

• Education Director, Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA)

• Member, Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Sector Panel for Computing

• Visiting Associate Professor, Edinburgh Napier University

• Member of the ACM Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education (SIGCSE)

Funding and Grants

Project Title: Library of Inspiration

Funder: Royal Academy of Engineering

Funding Scheme: Diversity Impact Programme

Funding awarded: £99,713.00

Role: Principal Investigator

Collaborators: Edinburgh Napier University, Whitburn Academy, Gracemount High School, Dunfermline High School, Tynecastle High School, Craigroyston Community High School.

Date: March 2024 to October 2025