Dr. Emma Thirkell's research is characterized by a twofold focus:

Firstly, central to Emma's HR research is the exploration of people and talent development within diverse work environments. This aspect of her work explores how skills, training, and leadership contribute to professional identity and business improvement, reflecting on the broader implications for organizational change and adaptation. 

Secondly, Emma's interest extends into the realm of pedagogy, specifically how educational practices can evolve to meet the demands of a digital age. Her innovative projects in this area, including the gamification of learning and technology-enabled teaching, aim to enhance digital literacy and prepare both educators and learners for future challenges. Her recognition as a Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert, particularly for her work in developing digital Escape Room games, has garnered attention from a variety of institutions, further highlighting her impact on modern teaching methodologies.

In addition to these core areas, Emma is engaged in research that examines the lived experience of innovation in higher education, touching on themes such as organizational inertia and academic identity. Her collaborative efforts with Kingston and Birmingham Universities on developing an AI Literacy Study Assessment Tool illustrate her forward-thinking approach to equipping students with the skills necessary for thriving in an increasingly AI-integrated world.

• Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
• Re-imagining hybrid pedagogies: lessons from the pandemic using the Diffusion of Innovation model, Thirkell, E., Munday, D. 21 Jul 2023, Building the Post-Pandemic University, Cheltenham, Edward Elgar
• Lean towards learning: connecting Lean Thinking and human resource management in UK higher education, Thirkell, E., Ashman, I. 30 Nov 2014, In: The International Journal of Human Resource Management

• Please visit the Pure Research Information Portal for further information
• Other: Developing an evidence-based health and wellbeing resource pack to improve employee engagement 2021
• Other: Re-imagining Good Work: Remote & Hybrid Working Principles for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises 2021
• Invited talk: OneNote Escape Rooms 2019
• Other: “Escaping” traditional technologies through a OneNote Escape Room 2019
• Other: To the escape room! How business schools are embracing games 2019
• Other: Unlocking the padlock – using an Escape Room to teach Business students 2019

• Management PhD June 16 2016
• Human Resource Management MA September 01 2008
• Management Studies BA (Hons) June 30 2007
• Chartered Management and Business Educator CMBE 2019
• Microsoft Innovative Educator Expert MIEE 2019
• Fellow Higher Education Academy FHEA 2011
• Associate Member Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) 2008