Prof. Ian Cumbus
PhD; BA (Hons)

Ian is a highly experienced consultant, reviewer, and advisor in higher education, specializing in academic accreditation and quality assurance. He has served as an independent consultant since 2016 and has contributed his expertise to several key regulatory bodies in the Gulf region, including:

• UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation

• UAE National Qualifications Centre (NQC)

• Oman Authority for Academic Accreditation and Quality Assurance

• Bahrain Education and Training Quality Authority (Review Chair and member of International Advisory Committee)

His professional background includes roles such as:

• Member of start-up team with responsibility for curriculum development and policies at Zayed University, UAE (1998-2000)

• Higher Education Commissioner at the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation, UAE Ministry of Education (2006-2013)

• Higher Education Specialist at the UAE’s National Qualifications Authority (2013-2015)

Ian holds academic qualifications from Lancaster University, the University of Bath with a BA (Hons) and PhD in Biological Sciences/Physiology and completed periods of post-doctoral research at the University of Bath and Oxford University. Over the years Ian has received awards for Teaching Excellence has worked on contract for the Higher Education Funding Councils in England and Wales as Special Subject Quality Assessor, and for the British Council, and other accreditation boards in the UK and internationally. Full professor title was awarded by the University of Essex in 2003.

With extensive experience in academic accreditation, policy development, and higher education quality assurance, Ian provides strategic guidance to institutions and regulatory bodies, ensuring alignment with international standards.