University shortlisted for two Times Higher Education awards

The University of Bradford has been shortlisted in two categories for this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

The successful nominations are for:

• Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community, for ‘Creating Active Schools’, recognising the programme’s impact on children’s health and wellbeing in Bradford and beyond.
• Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for Brad-ATTAIN (Bradford Pathways to Academia for Minoritised Ethnicities).

Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community

Creating Active Schools, led by Professor Andy Daly-Smith, Associate Director, Institute of Health and Social Care, and Dr Anna Chalkley, Senior Research Fellow, is a research-led, internationally recognised approach to improving children’s health and life chances, cited by the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Social Justice.

It was co-created with schools, public health partners and researchers to provide a practical, evidence-based framework supporting more than 400 UK schools.

Dr Chalkley said: “We are incredibly proud that CAS and the University of Bradford has been shortlisted for this award.

“This is particularly special because CAS is fundamentally a story about Bradford, partnership, and what can be achieved when research, practice and communities work together.

“CAS has grown through sustained collaboration with schools and an amazing network of partners across Bradford, bringing together research evidence, professional expertise and local knowledge to help schools create environments in which physical activity becomes part of the culture of the whole school.”

Outstanding contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Brad-ATTAIN is a £1.6 million University of Bradford programme that supports Black, Asian and other ethnically minoritised students to progress into postgraduate research and academic careers. It aims to reduce barriers and improve access to research opportunities.

Through internships, studentships, travel bursaries and faculty training and mentoring, the programme has increased participation in research and helped create a more diverse and inclusive academic community.

In 2022/23, 52 per cent of the University’s Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs) were Black, Asian or from ethnically minoritised backgrounds. In 2024/25, the University was sector leading, with 71 per cent, far higher than sector average (24 per cent).

The University now has 68 per cent Black, Asian and ethnically minoritised postgraduate research supervisors, more than double the pre-project figure (32 per cent).

Professor Udy Archibong, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and Brad-ATTAIN project lead, said: “Championing EDI is central to our mission and reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for all.

“The positive impact of Brad-ATTAIN on students, researchers and partners demonstrates the value of embedding an intersectional approach across higher education, helping to foster fairness, belonging and opportunity in an increasingly complex world.

“I am especially grateful to our researchers, whose mentorship and commitment enriched the experience of students and postgraduate researchers, and to our global community of learners, whose curiosity and engagement brought our programmes to life. Above all, I would like to recognise the Brad-ATTAIN Project Team, whose dedication, expertise and unwavering commitment have been fundamental to this achievement.”

‘Research with real-world impact’

Professor Gillian Murray, University of Bradford Vice-Chancellor, said: “Being shortlisted in two categories at the THE Awards is a significant achievement and recognition of the impact our University is making.

“These nominations reflect our commitment to conducting research that addresses the issues that matter most and delivers real-world impact, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to succeed, and working in partnership with our communities to tackle shared challenges.

“This recognition highlights the dedication, expertise and ambition of our colleagues, whose work continues to make a positive difference locally, nationally and globally.”

More on the THE Awards 2026

The THE Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams in UK and Irish universities. The finalists from 74 institutions across the UK will contest 22 categories at the ceremony, held at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 26 November.

 

Image caption (top of page): Creating Active Schools has been shortlisted for the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community category at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2026. Images credit: University of Bradford