Presented by King Charles and Queen Camilla, the Prize, which is part of the UK Honours System, is presented every two years to up to 20 institutions nationwide, recognising outstanding achievement in key academic disciplines that have delivered meaningful benefits to society and the broader community.
Loughborough’s work in Para and disability sport, notably its partnership with ParalympicsGB, was awarded for its commitment to research and development in the sector.
The award places Loughborough among the most distinguished recipients of the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education, with eight honours overall – a record exceeded only by the University of Oxford.
The ongoing commitment, backed for decades by the Peter Harrison Foundation, has played a pivotal role in helping ParalympicsGB achieve a top two world ranking at three successive Summer Paralympic Games.
In collaboration with colleagues in Loughborough Sport’s Para programme, the initiative has helped build a world‑leading ecosystem at Loughborough that continues to support international athletes such as Thomas Young and Yasmina Eissa, both of whom attended the ceremony, as well as coaches like George Bates, whose progression through the ecosystem has led to his recent appointment as Men’s Head Coach with British Wheelchair Basketball.
Professor Nick Jennings, Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University, said: “We are honoured to receive a Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education in recognition of our collaborative contributions to Para and disability sport.
“We’re incredibly proud that this work continues to make tangible differences across both elite sport and recreational activity. The team wholeheartedly deserved this remarkable accolade.”
Professor Vicky Tolfrey, Loughborough University’s lead for Para and disability sport research, said: “It’s been an incredible day. Our partnerships with ParalympicsGB, UK Sport, and the wider sporting ecosystem continue to deliver incredible results that benefit the whole Para and disability sport landscape. We’re honoured to have been recognised on a national level.”
Following the formal presentation, Professor Nick Jennings was joined by an esteemed delegation of guests for a celebratory dinner at the Guildhall, London.
This included Lord Sebastian Coe KBE, David Clarke OBE, Chief Executive, ParalympicsGB, Professor Vicky Tolfrey, Professor of Applied Disability and Para Sport, Loughborough University, Professor Lauren Sherar, Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, and Professor Nick Webborn CBE DL, Chair of UK Sport.
The University was further recognised for its commitment to advancing equity and breaking down barriers to participation, empowering disabled people to engage in physical activity and enhancing health and quality of life globally.