EDEN is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its distinguished former Presidents Josep M. Duart and Morten Flate Paulsen, as well as its Vice President Mark Brown, who were honoured at the 30th ICDE World Conference for their exceptional contributions to digital education. 

Professor Josep Duart was awarded Individual Prize of Excellence for his significant contributions to the advancement of open, distance, and digital learning through his leadership at EDEN Distance Learning Europe, the foremost network in the region focused on digital education innovation. With nearly three decades of expertise in digital learning, Professor Duart’s longstanding role at UOC (Universitat Oberta de Catalunya) is particularly noteworthy. He has demonstrated exemplary leadership, serving as Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Lifelong Learning, as well as Director of International Relations and Research Strategy.

Professor Morten Flate Paulsen has received an ICDE award for Lifelong Contribution to the Field. Morten Paulsen is a true pioneer whose four-decade career has fundamentally shaped the infrastructure and pedagogy of distance education. His contributions are extensive and central to the development of open, flexible, and distance learning. He has held numerous leadership roles within ICDE and served on key boards in Norway, as well as acting President of EDEN, demonstrating deep commitment to the international OFDL community. A hallmark of Morten’s legacy is his meticulous documentation of the field’s history. His lasting impact is reflected in the systems, scholarship, and educational communities he has helped to build.

Another ICDE award for Lifelong Contribution to the Field was awarded to professor Mark Brown who has built a four-decade career that has profoundly shaped the global field of Open, Flexible, and Distance Learning (OFDL). His leadership and ongoing innovation are reflected in his contributions to ICDE, EDEN, and several major academic journals. His practical work spans projects across New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Europe, and Asia, demonstrating a deep commitment to excellence and policy advocacy. Professor Brown’s lasting impact lies in advancing technology, policy, and a globally connected community dedicated to lifelong, accessible, and flexible learning.

EDEN extends its warmest congratulations to all awardees. We are especially proud to see our community leaders recognised on the global stage for their dedication to expanding access to quality digital education and inspiring innovation across borders.

Learn more about this year’s winners: https://icde.org/icde-prizes-of-excellence-2025-awarded-at-the-30th-icde-world-conference-in-new-zealand/