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. 

Further information around what the judges are keen to see in nominations for each of these categories and awards may be found on the submit a nomination page.

List of categories and awards

1. Impactful Research and Innovation

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

2. Collaborative Research and Innovation

For driving forward collaborative partnerships across an institutional theme.

  • Sport, Health, and Wellbeing
  • Climate change and Net Zero
  • Vibrant & Inclusive Communities

3. Enabling Research

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

4. Innovation and 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 and Allies

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

9. Enhancing Staff and Student Wellbeing and Experience

For activities that improved the health and wellbeing, and experience of the University’s staff and/or students.

10. International Partnerships

For achieving significant impact and outstanding outcomes through international collaborations, partnerships and networks.

11. International Reputation

For outstanding international research or engagement 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. Sporting Achievement & Leadership 

For outstanding leadership and/or achievement within sport. 

14. Sports Advancement

For research, innovation, or engagement that has delivered a significant impact on sports policy or practice.

15. Enabling Sporting Excellence

For creating the practical conditions that enable excellence in sport, health, or wellbeing.  

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 need to be submitted online by 6pm on Friday 30th May 2025.

How to write a nomination Submit a nomination