Collaborative Research & Innovation

Through exceptional leadership in building international research collaborations, Dr Emilene Zitkus De Andrade’s work has improved the lives of underserved communities. Through pioneering partnerships with academic, healthcare and third-sector organisations, she has advanced inclusive, co-designed digital health solutions for older adults, ensuring marginalised voices help shape research and practice. Her work is influencing public health implementation and policy in Brazil, creating sustainable pathways for healthier ageing and reducing exclusion.

Professor Claire Warden has made an outstanding contribution to strengthening research excellence through inspirational leadership, strategic vision and an unwavering commitment to supporting colleagues. She balances the operational detail required for REF with a clear understanding of the broader institutional context, ensuring that decisions are logical, evidence-based and aligned with longer-term research ambitions. Importantly, she has used the REF process as an opportunity to encourage collaboration, strengthen research communities and foster a culture in which colleagues support one another to achieve excellence.

The Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) team plays a pivotal role in creating the connections, partnerships and opportunities that drive collaborative research across Loughborough and around the world. Through their exceptional support for visiting fellows, interdisciplinary engagement and international networking, they help transform ideas into lasting research collaborations and institutional partnerships. Their dedication, professionalism and inclusive approach have strengthened the University’s global research community, fostering innovation, new opportunities and meaningful collaboration.

The Advanced Ceramics Research Group (ACRG) has built an outstanding collaborative partnership that is transforming the future of advanced ceramics manufacturing. Working closely with academic and industrial partners, the team has delivered groundbreaking innovations in sustainable manufacturing, healthcare and protective technologies, demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary research to address real-world challenges. Their pioneering work has reduced environmental impacts, advanced Net Zero ambitions and achieved international recognition, establishing Loughborough as a global leader in collaborative research, innovation and industrial engagement.