Award categories

Our award categories are designed to reflect the University strategy, and to enable all staff to find a category that is aligned to the work they do. 

We recognise that there are many endeavours by colleagues across the University that enable success, support our staff and students, and make a significant contribution to the delivery of the University Strategy.

If you have any questions around which category a nomination for a team or individual is best aligned with, please have a chat with your manager or contact The VC Awards Team to discuss this. 

List of categories and awards

1. Impactful Research & Innovation

For research and innovation that has delivered significant and sustained impact on society.

2. Collaborative Research & Innovation

For driving forward collaborative research activity and partnerships across one or more of the University’s strategic themes:

  • Climate Change & Net Zero
  • Sport Health & Wellbeing
  • Vibrant & Inclusive Communities

3. Enabling Research

For creating the practical conditions that enable high-quality research.

4. Innovation & Impact in Education

For significant innovation and impact in education provision.

5. Learning & Teaching Excellence

For creating the conditions, both within and outside of our teaching spaces, that significantly enhance the academic experience of our students.

6. Enhancing The Student Experience

For significant impact on the student experience across all aspects of their University life.

7. EDI Enhancement

For activities that have made the University more equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

8. Advocates & Allies

For activities that have progressed EDI, on behalf of others.

9. Community Wellbeing & Experience

For activities that have improved the health, wellbeing, and experience of the University community (staff and/or students).

10. Stronger Together

For individuals or teams who have built effective partnerships and collaborations that enhance learning, research, or the University’s standing.

11. International Reputation

For outstanding international research or engagement activity that has enhanced the University’s global profile and reputation.

12. Global Community

For making a significant contribution to growing an inclusive community of students, staff, and alumni.

13. Distinction In Elite Sport

For outstanding achievement, leadership, or coaching in the world of elite sport.

14. Research Impact In Sport

For research, innovation, or engagement activity that has delivered a significant impact on sports policy, best-practice, or world-class success.

15. Enabling Sporting Opportunity

For creating the practical conditions that enable excellence in sport, health, or wellbeing within Loughborough University’s sporting ecosystem.

16. Sustainability Champions

For supporting sustainable transformation, or outstanding contributions to a ‘Net Zero’ future. 

17. Unsung Hero/Heroes

 For an impressive response to adversity, or for vital work that deserves broader recognition.

18. Above and Beyond

For supporting the Loughborough University community – through outstanding collaboration or going above and beyond.  

Submitting a nomination

We've put together some top tips and guidance to consider when making your nomination. Nominations will open on Monday, 1 June 2026.

Nominations need to be submitted online by 6pm on Tuesday 30 June 2026.

Tops Tips & Guidance

We couldn’t achieve what we do without the hard work, dedication, and creativity of our staff. This enables us to achieve our vision of being an internationally engaged research‐intensive university that delivers meaningful impact and keeps students at our heart.

It is important to me that we take the opportunity through my annual awards, to acknowledge and highlight the most outstanding work of our teams and individuals from across the whole university. I encourage you to nominate those colleagues that you recognise as making a substantial contribution. I look forward to reading the nominations and seeing the finalists at this years’ event, in September’

Professor Nick Jennings Vice-Chancellor and President