Salford shortlisted for two Times Higher Education Awards!
The University of Salford has been shortlisted for two gongs at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.
The THE Awards, now in their 22nd year, are widely known as the “Oscars of higher education” and recognise excellence across the UK and Irish sectors. Judges received over 500 entries across 20 categories, with two Salford entries making the final shortlist.
Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year
Our Faculty of Health, Community and Life Sciences was shortlisted in ‘Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year’ after being put forward for its approach to simulation and immersive teaching and learning.
Our immersive learning model combines AI‑generated virtual humans, immersive environments and inclusive digital design. It enables students to step inside complex real‑world contexts, from a 17th‑century plague village, to rural Uganda, to a virtual police station, without the cost, access and ethical limitations of traditional fieldwork or role‑play.
The innovation has delivered measurable educational impact across health, policing and public health programmes, with students reporting increased preparedness, confidence and deeper reflective insight. This inclusive, values‑led use of immersive techniques sets a new, replicable standard for digitally enhanced education.
Dr Leah Greene, Head of Simulation in the Faculty of Health, Community and Life Sciences, said:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for a THE Award in the ‘Technological or Digital Innovation of the Year category’.
“What makes this recognition particularly special is that it celebrates not only our technological innovations, but also our commitment to inclusive education. Seeing students gain confidence, skills and opportunities through immersive learning has been incredibly rewarding, and I'm proud of what our team has achieved together.”
Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year
Lark Hill Brewery is owned and operated by the University of Salford, and functions simultaneously as teaching space, research laboratory, consultancy hub and enterprise platform.
MSc Biotechnology students contribute directly to commercial consultancy projects, working in real time alongside academics and industry partners.
Led by Dr M. Alejandra Diaz de Rienzo, Dr Natalie Ferry and Professor Ian Goodhead, it transforms a working brewery into a live research and innovation environment, where students, academics, and industry partners collaborate in real time. This model of concurrent commercial and educational activity, operating within a single functioning production facility, is distinctive within the UK higher education landscape.
This year’s awards ceremony will take place on Thursday 26 November at The Vox in Birmingham. Congratulations and good luck to our shortlisted teams!
For all press office enquiries please email communications@salford.ac.uk.