University of Warwick shortlisted in two categories at the Times Higher Education Awards 2026
The University of Warwick has been shortlisted in two categories at the prestigious Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2026, recognising excellence in higher education across the UK and Ireland.
Warwick has been named a finalist for International Collaboration of the Year and Marketing/Communications Team of the Year, reflecting the University’s commitment to creating positive societal change, global engagement, and impactful storytelling.
Often referred to as the “Oscars of higher education”, the Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of universities, teams, and individuals across the sector.
Warwick’s first shortlist nomination is for International Collaboration of the Year, recognising the Veteran Leadership Programme, a pioneering partnership between the Warwick Business School, the University of Warwick, and Ukrainian civic organisation CHESNO Movement.
The programme supports Ukrainian veterans in making the transition from military service into civic, public, and community leadership roles, helping to strengthen democratic renewal and long-term recovery in Ukraine. Developed collaboratively with Ukrainian partners, the initiative brought a cohort of 15 veterans to Warwick for an intensive leadership development programme focused on governance, innovation, public engagement, and peer learning.
Reflecting on the International Collaboration shortlisting, Dr Bo Kelestyn, Associate Professor at Warwick Business School and co-director of the Veteran Leadership Programme said: “The Veteran Leadership Programme is so much more than just a week of learning on campus. What we have achieved through this international collaboration has been both measurable and felt and I am so proud this has also now been recognised through THE Awards nomination and shortlist. It is another testament to how much our community, our campus, our staff can do when we work together.
“I’m so grateful for the co-creation and commitment from our partner CHESNO, and the veterans for their trust and feedback. Winning the Award would mean so much for us, and crucially, would help secure further support and funding to keep going with the programme and continue standing with Ukraine in meaningful and tangible ways.”
The second shortlisting – for Marketing/Communications Team of the Year – recognises Warwick’s Marketing, Communications, Insight, and Student Recruitment department for its landmark Sixty & Soaring campaign, created to mark the University’s 60th anniversary. Rather than looking back, the campaign focused on Warwick’s future, celebrating six decades of innovation while demonstrating the University’s role in tackling global challenges and building a better world together.
The year-long programme brought together staff, students, alumni, partners, and local communities through a series of major events and initiatives, including the Festival of Innovation, Humans of Warwick, Retreat to Create, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats, and Global Illuminations. The campaign generated more than 1,300 pieces of editorial coverage, reached audiences around the world, increased staff and student pride, and strengthened engagement across the Warwick community.
Welcoming the shortlisting, Helen Lyman Smith, Chief Communications, Marketing & Student Recruitment Officer, said: “Being shortlisted for Marketing/Communications Team of the Year is a tremendous achievement and a fitting recognition of the creativity, professionalism, and collaborative approach of our Marketing, Communications, Insight and Student Recruitment department.
“Our 60th anniversary campaign brought together the entire Warwick community to celebrate our past, showcase our present, and look confidently towards our future. The team’s efforts showcased how communications can do far more than tell stories; it can unite communities, strengthen belonging, build reputation, and inspire people to be part of something bigger.”
More than 500 nominations were received across 20 categories, with the winners to be announced at the awards ceremony taking place at The Vox in Birmingham on the evening of 26th November.
Commenting on the shortlisting, Times Higher Education Editor Chris Havergal said: “These continue to be challenging times for our higher education sectors but that makes it only more important to celebrate the contribution of the teams and individuals who continue to transform lives for the better, week in, week out, across the UK and Ireland.
“To have again received more than 500 entries is a sure sign that our sectors’ commitment to improving the societies they serve is undimmed, and we offer our sincere congratulations to all the institutions and individuals shortlisted. It is a huge achievement to have reached this stage in another very competitive year.”
The full shortlist can be found on the Times Higher Education website.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The Times Higher Education Awards recognise outstanding achievements across UK and Irish higher education and are among the sector's most prestigious accolades.
The University of Warwick has been shortlisted in the following categories:
- International Collaboration of the Year for the Veteran Leadership Programme: UK-Ukraine collaboration for democratic renewal and civic leadership.
- Marketing/Communications Team of the Year for the University’s Sixty & Soaring 60th anniversary campaign.
For more information please contact:
- Dom Barker, Strategic Communications and Reputation Manager
- Dom.Barker@warwick.ac.uk | 07824 540727
- General and out-of-hours press office number: +44 (0)7392 125605 (please call as emails are not checked out of office hours).
About the University of Warwick
Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a world-leading institution known for its commitment to era-defining innovation across research and education. A connected ecosystem of staff, students and alumni, the University fosters transformative learning, interdisciplinary collaboration and bold industry partnerships across state-of-the-art facilities in the UK and global satellite hubs. Here, spirited thinkers push boundaries, experiment and challenge convention to create a better world.
4 September 2026