Reading wins highest number of nominations for THE Awards 2021

The University of Reading leads the way with nominations for this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, announced on Thursday 9 September.

The University has been nominated for five awards – an institutional record – representing the joint highest number of nominations of any university in the UK or Ireland, alongside the University of Nottingham which also has five nominations.

The THE Awards are widely recognised across the higher education sector and will celebrate achievements during the 2019-20 academic year. They cover the full range of university activity – both academic and support services, from front-line staff through to all levels of leadership and management. A record 600 entries were submitted by universities this year, with institutions in the Republic of Ireland able to enter for the first time.

The categories the University of Reading is shortlisted in are:

• Research Project of the Year: STEM: Professor Emily Black, Dr Ross Maidment, Dr Vicky Boult

Entry name: Drought monitoring to mitigate climate-related risks in African countries

• Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year: Mike Simmonds, Lecturer in Physical Geography

Entry name: Virtual Field Classes: Teaching field techniques at home

• Outstanding Technician of the Year: Andy Whittam, University of Reading

Entry name: Outstanding contribution to environmental sustainability and the sustainability of technical skills

• Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team: University of Reading Corporate Communications

Entry name: Demonstrating research strengths through the COVID-19 pandemic

• Most Innovative Teacher of the Year: Dr Rhianedd Smith - Director of Academic Learning and Engagement with the University of Reading Museums and Special Collections Services.

Entry name: Immersive Experiences for Professional Pathways in University Museums

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Parveen Yaqoob said: “The fact that we are one of the top institutions in terms of the total number of nominations for these awards across the UK and Ireland is an indication of the calibre of our staff and the quality of the work that they do.

“This has been a challenging period for universities, with the pandemic forcing us to change how we operate. Yet we have continued to apply innovative approaches to research and teaching throughout, and to have an impact on the world across many disciplines. 

“I am grateful to all colleagues and students, who have continued to strive for excellence during this time and congratulate those who have been nominated in this year’s awards.”

The THE Awards winners will be revealed at a ceremony in London on 25 November 2021.