Following a rigorous nomination process, colleagues across our Faculty have been announced as the recipients of Distinguished Achievement Awards, one of the University’s most prestigious internal accolades. The Awards take place annually and recognise the outstanding work of colleagues, students and teams across the University.

Pamela Qualter, Professor of Psychology for Education in MIE in SEED, has received the ‘Researcher of the Year’ award for the Faculty. Pamela was nominated for her groundbreaking research into loneliness, with particular expertise in child and adolescent social connection. Recognised among Clarivate’s top 1% most-cited researchers, her impact extends to global policy and she now co-chairs the World Health Organization’s Commission on Social Connection to inform global public health strategies.

In the ‘Teaching of the Year’ category, Dr Miri Firth, Academic Lead for Assessment and Senior Lecturer in MIE in SEED, was the recipient of the Faculty’s award. A Principal Fellow of Advance HE, Miri was nominated for her reach, value and impact in teaching, exemplifying the highest standards of innovation and inclusivity. Her work connects local excellence with national and international influence, and she designed and led the University’s award-winning Assessment Toolkit, a resource now embedded across all Faculties.

The ‘Postgraduate Research Student of the Year’ award for the Faculty went to Freddie Jones, a student in SEED. Freddie studies the experiences of non-speaking neurodivergent young people, with his academic work, leadership and advocacy embodying the best of inclusive, socially engaged research. He leads the Disability Network and has helped it to become a genuinely collaborative space where disabled staff and students can contribute to shaping change.

Oliver Kennett, BSc Information Technology Management for Business (ITMB) student at AMBS, received the ‘Undergraduate Student of the Year’ award in the Faculty for consistent academic excellence and lasting contributions to curriculum development, student experience, outreach, and employability initiatives. Following outstanding academic performance, he was selected to represent ITMB at CaseIT, a competitive international business case competition in Vancouver, and he has also served as a Student Representative twice, helping to improve course unit provisions and assessment methods.

In addition to these individual awards, the University-wide Central Learning Environment Team, including PS and academic Faculty colleagues, received the ‘PS and Cultural Institutions’ Large Team of the Year’ award for the implementation of Canvas. In the ‘General Distinguished Achievement Award’ category, Emerita Professor Jackie Carter, former Professor of Statistical Literacy in SoSS and Academic Lead for Disability, was named as the recipient for her outstanding teaching and research as well as her extraordinary impact on disability inclusion.

Congratulations to all winners across the Faculty and University!