A Harare Institute of Technology (HIT) researcher has secured a place on one of the world's most influential education platforms after being appointed as a judge for the 2026 QS Reimagine Education Awards.
Joshua Simuka, a Research Fellow in HIT's Postgraduate Unit of Strategy and Innovation, will join an international panel of experts responsible for evaluating some of the world's most groundbreaking education projects in the Global Education Award and Global Enterprise Award categories. The submissions range from artificial intelligence-powered teaching solutions and digital learning platforms to university research initiatives and scalable education technology innovations.
Organised by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, the global higher education analytics company behind the influential QS World University Rankings, the Reimagine Education Awards have become one of the world's most prestigious platforms recognising innovation in teaching, learning, employability, educational technology and institutional transformation. The awards culminate in a global conference in London that brings together university leaders, policymakers, investors and education technology companies from dozens of countries.
Unlike honorary appointments, judges play a central role in assessing entries through a multi-stage evaluation process. Every submission is independently reviewed by multiple experts before category winners are selected, with the overall global winners determined by a Grand Jury.
For Zimbabwe, Simuka's appointment extends beyond personal recognition.
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His selection places a Zimbabwean academic among experts helping to determine which innovations will influence the future direction of universities at a time when higher education is undergoing profound disruption driven by artificial intelligence, digital transformation and increasing demand for industry-relevant skills.
Simuka has built his academic profile around innovation management, research commercialisation and higher education transformation. He holds a Master of Technology degree in Strategy and Innovation.
Speaking on his appointment, Simuka said the recognition represented more than an individual achievement.
"It reinforces the importance of ensuring that African universities actively participate in shaping the future of global education rather than simply responding to it," he said.
HIT also welcomed the appointment, describing it as a reflection of the institution's growing contribution to global higher education.
"This appointment is not only a proud moment for Dr Joshua Simuka but also for Harare Institute of Technology. It reflects the quality of scholarship and innovation emerging from our institution and demonstrates that African academics have an important role to play in shaping the future of global education," the institution said.
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