In recognition of his outstanding dedication to the Learning Analytics community, Hendrik Drachsler was presented with the Outstanding Community Work Award by the Society for Learning Analytics Research (SoLAR) at the 16th International Learning Analytics & Knowledge Conference (LAK26) on 30 April 2026 in Bergen, Norway. 🏆

The award recognises Hendrik’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the SoLAR community and supporting the development of Learning Analytics as an international research field.

In her laudatio, SoLAR President Prof. Blaženka Divjak highlighted Hendrik’s continuous engagement with the Society for Learning Analytics Research since its early years. He has contributed to the community in many roles, including as a SoLAR Executive Committee member and Local Chair of LAK20. He has also helped create spaces for exchange and collaboration by organising and supporting workshops that bring researchers together around emerging topics in Learning Analytics.

Beyond his formal service roles, Hendrik has made a lasting contribution through his mentorship and support of young researchers. Over the years, he has accompanied many PhD candidates, postdocs, and early-career researchers on their academic and professional journeys. Several of his former mentees have received professor appointments, taken on leadership roles, and continue to shape the field of Learning Analytics in academia, research, and other professional contexts.

His work has also contributed to supporting women in STEM. A significant proportion of his mentees have been women, reflecting his commitment to more inclusive academic pathways and to creating environments in which diverse talent can thrive.

Hendrik’s long-standing dedication to community work, mentorship, and the development of young talent has helped foster a new generation of successful Learning Analytics researchers. His recognition with the Outstanding Community Work Award underlines the importance of values such as trust, generosity, care, fairness, integrity, curiosity, and responsibility in building strong and sustainable academic communities.

Congratulations to Hendrik on this well-deserved recognition. 👏