Key Points
- Times Higher Education released the full shortlist for the 2026 Times Higher Education Awards.
- The annual event, known in the sector as the “Oscars of higher education,” awards talent, innovation, and leadership across UK universities.
- Categories include Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year, Business School of the Year, Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership, and Technician Commitment.
- Aston University, Abertay University, University of Liverpool, University of Glasgow, and Newcastle University are among the nominated institutions.
- An expert panel of sector judges will evaluate candidates before the winners receive awards at a ceremony later this year.
London (Birmingham Express) September 3, 2026 — As reported by staff writers of Times Higher Education, the shortlist for the flagship Times Higher Education Awards 2026 has been officially published, celebrating the extraordinary achievements, resilience, and sector-leading innovation of universities across the country. The annual competition—widely recognized across the academic sector as the “Oscars of higher education”—highlights outstanding individuals, teams, and whole institutions that have demonstrated noteworthy impact over the past academic session.
Among the prominent individual accolades unveiled in the announcement, the shortlist for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year features prominent academics who have demonstrated exemplary guidance and support for doctoral researchers. As detailed in the official publication by Times Higher Education, the shortlisted candidates include:
- Kimberley Bennett, Abertay University
- Eleanor Bradley, University of Worcester Times Higher Education
- Victor Chang, Aston University Times Higher Education
In the institutional categories, the battle for Business School of the Year sees premier faculties recognized for outstanding strategic delivery, teaching innovation, and community engagement. As reported by Times Higher Education reporters, the 2026 finalists in this category include:
- Aston Business School, Aston University Times Higher Education
- ESCP Business School Times Higher Education
- J.E. Cairnes School of Business and Economics, University of Galway Times Higher Education
- Newcastle University Business School Times Higher Education
- Royal Docks School of Business and Law, University of East London Times Higher Education
- University of Exeter Business School Times Higher Education
Furthermore, technical staff—whose critical contributions underpin university research and practical education—have been given dedicated prominence through the award sponsored by the Technician Commitment. As recorded in the official press release from Times Higher Education, the nominees selected for technical excellence include:
Times Higher Education
- Michael Bayliss, University of Liverpool Times Higher Education
- Jennifer Cassels, University of Glasgow Times Higher Education
- Amelia Dingley, Brunel University of London Times Higher Education
- Saimir Luli, Newcastle University Times Higher Education
- Joanna Scamp, University of Kent Times Higher Education
- Christopher Spice, University of Essex Times Higher Education
- Karen Swales, Institute of Cancer Research Times Higher Education
- Ian Tidmarsh, Manchester Metropolitan University Times Higher Education
How Are the Entries Judged and What Does the Selection Process Entail?
The selection process for the Times Higher Education Awards involves a rigorous multi-stage review conducted by an independent panel of senior sector leaders, academics, and university administrators. Each submission is measured against stringent performance metrics, requiring institutions to provide concrete evidence of institutional growth, social impact, pedagogical excellence, and research innovation over the preceding academic period.
The shortlist announcement marks the culmination of months of assessment across dozens of distinct operational categories, spanning university leadership, student support initiatives, environmental stewardship, research breakthroughs, and local economic development.
Background of the Times Higher Education Awards Development
The Times Higher Education Awards were established to shine a national and international spotlight on the extraordinary contributions made by higher education institutions. For over two decades, the awards framework has evolved to reflect shifting priorities within global academia, incorporating dedicated categories for sustainability, digital transformation, social mobility, and mental health support.
In addition to the flagship UK-focused event, Times Higher Education has expanded its global recognition footprint with regional award programs, including the THE Awards Asia and the THE Awards Arab World. These regional programs highlight localized academic accomplishments, encouraging knowledge transfer and regional collaboration among global institutions. The annual announcement of shortlists remains one of the most anticipated moments in the academic calendar, establishing national benchmarks for higher education standards.
Times Higher Education (THE)
Prediction: How This Development Will Affect Higher Education Stakeholders
The unveiling of the 2026 Times Higher Education Awards shortlist is expected to exert a direct influence across several key higher education audiences:
- For Shortlisted Institutions and Academics: Reaching the shortlist provides substantial institutional prestige and external validation. Shortlisted universities frequently leverage these recognitions to boost prospective student recruitment, attract domestic and international talent, and secure additional research funding or commercial partnerships.
- For Students and Applicants: The shortlist serves as an independent quality index. Prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students can use category selections—such as Business School of the Year or Student Support initiatives—to identify universities that demonstrate proven commitment to student outcomes and academic excellence. Times Higher Education
- For Sector Policy and Benchmark Standards: Highlighting innovative teaching practices, sustainability drives, and technical contributions establishes actionable blueprints for peer institutions across the UK and internationally. Higher education leaders regularly analyze shortlisted entries to adapt best practices within their own organizations, elevating overall standards across the higher education landscape.
