Distinguished Achievement Awards - nominations now open
26 Sep 2025
We are now accepting nominations for the President’s Distinguished Achievement Awards 2026 – your opportunity to recognise our colleagues for making an outstanding contribution to our University.
Do you know a colleague or team who has made an outstanding contribution to our University? Are they always willing to put in whatever it takes to get a job done? Or do they always provide an excellent service or go out of their way to help someone or to solve a problem?
This is your opportunity to recognise their efforts by putting them forward for a President’s Distinguished Achievement Award 2026.
Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor said: “The Distinguished Achievement Awards are a chance for us to recognise the people – both individuals and teams – who go above and beyond in all kinds of ways, often behind the scenes, but with real impact.
“Please do take the time to nominate colleagues whose work has made a real difference. This is our most important internal award, and a way for us to say thank you to those whose dedication, creativity or care helps shape our University community."
Nominations can be made now until Friday 6 February 2026. The winners will be presented their awards by the President and Vice-Chancellor at a ceremony in The Whitworth Hall on 25 June 2026.
Why nominate? Only 46% of colleagues felt thanked regularly for their contribution (Colleague Engagement Survey 2025). Your Voice Matters – nominate a colleague today.
Please note, nominations for the academic and student categories are processed locally by your Faculty. Look out for further information via your local communication channels.
About the Distinguished Achievement Awards 2025
These are the University’s most prestigious internal awards. They take place annually and recognise the outstanding work of colleagues and teams across the University.
Award categories include:
- Professional Services and Cultural Institutions’ individuals and teams of the year.
- Researchers of the Year
- Postgraduate Researchers of the Year
- Postgraduate Taught Students of the Year
- Undergraduate Students of the Year
- Teachers of the Year
There is also a ‘General’ category for the truly exceptional times when other categories are not appropriate.
Further information
- For any specific enquiries please contact Deborah Black (deborah.black@manchester.ac.uk), secretary to the University’s Awards and Honours Group or reach out to her on Teams.
- Looking forother ways to show your appreciation? Send a thank you ecard via Purple Place