The University of Lancashire has been shortlisted in three categories for the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.
Widely regarded as the 'Oscars of higher education', the Institution has been recognised in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year, Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year, and Research Project of the Year: STEM categories.
The Awards, now in their 21st year, celebrate innovative and inspirational ideas across 21 categories. All UK and Irish higher education institutions are eligible to enter and this year the awards received more than 500 entries from 120 institutions.
Trailblazer Dr Zemin Chen, Senior Lecturer in the School of Business, has been shortlisted in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category for using AI to enhance the student experience and assessment. The forward-thinking lecturer has developed a custom AI virtual assistant for her MBA students which is trained on programme materials, university polices and academic writing support, which provides instant, personalised guidance 24/7.
These nominations showcase the fantastic work our academics are doing in a range of different areas and how they are all making huge impacts on our students and the wider world– Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin DL
Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year nominee Dr Andy Clarke has been shortlisted for his inclusive, innovative and student-centred approach. The Senior Lecturer in the School of Business has supported more than 16 doctoral candidates in the past five years and his pioneering initiatives, such as structured peer review and concept map assessments, have strengthened research quality and communications skills.
Dr Noemi Procopio has been selected in the Research Project of the Year: STEM category for her Forens-OMICS project. The Senior Research Fellow is pioneering the use of cutting-edge technologies in proteomics, metabolomics and microbial DNA profiling to revolutionise how forensic scientists estimate time since death and identify human remains. Her work has led to real-world applications in an Italian murder case and a UK police-supported project on identifying an individual.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin DL said: “I am absolutely delighted we have been shortlisted in three categories of the THE Awards 2025.
“These nominations showcase the fantastic work our academics are doing in a range of different areas and how they are all making huge impacts on our students and the wider world.
“Year on year now, we are continually being recognised for our outstanding contribution to our sector in these industry awards and long may that continue.”
We offer our sincere congratulations to all those institutions and individuals shortlisted – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage in a very competitive year– THE editor Chris Havergal
This year’s ceremony will take place in Edinburgh on Thursday 13 November.
THE editor Chris Havergal said: “At a time of unprecedented challenge for higher education, the THE Awards enter their third decade as a steady and staunch reminder of the exceptional work that continues to take place across the UK and Ireland every day, on campuses and beyond.
“The fact that we received well over 500 entries for this year’s awards is a sure sign that the sector’s commitment to transforming lives for the better is undimmed. We offer our sincere congratulations to all those institutions and individuals shortlisted – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage in a very competitive year.
“At THE, we have long recognised that the sector draws so much strength from its diversity and that there is no single model of success. That’s why we are delighted to see such a wide range of providers making the shortlists, including for the new category of Specialist Institution of the Year, which honours some of our truly unsung heroes.
“We are also hugely excited to be taking this year’s awards ceremony to Scotland for the first time. We look forward to you joining us in Edinburgh on 13 November for a special celebration of innovation and excellence in higher education, which in these times go unrecognised or underappreciated far too often.”
