University of Bradford Shortlisted for Prestigious THE Awards

Local university recognised for contributions to community and equality

The University of Bradford has been shortlisted in two categories for the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, highlighting its work in community engagement and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community

The university’s programme, Creating Active Schools (CAS), has been nominated for its impact on children’s health and wellbeing. Led by Professor Andy Daly-Smith and Dr Anna Chalkley from the Institute of Health and Social Care, CAS is a research-led initiative designed to promote physical activity in schools.

Developed in collaboration with schools, public health partners, and researchers, the programme provides an evidence-based framework that supports over 400 schools across the UK. It has been recognised by organisations such as the World Health Organisation and the Centre for Social Justice.

Dr Anna Chalkley commented on the nomination, emphasising the importance of partnership and community involvement in the programme’s success. She noted that CAS has grown through sustained collaboration, combining research evidence, professional expertise, and local knowledge to embed physical activity into school cultures.

Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The second nomination is for Brad-ATTAIN (Bradford Pathways to Academia for Minoritised Ethnicities), a £1.6 million programme aimed at supporting Black, Asian, and other ethnically minoritised students in pursuing postgraduate research and academic careers.

Brad-ATTAIN works to reduce barriers and improve access to research opportunities through internships, studentships, travel bursaries, as well as faculty training and mentoring. The programme has contributed to a significant increase in participation from ethnically minoritised groups within the university’s postgraduate research community.

• In the academic year 2022/23, 52% of the university’s postgraduate researchers were from ethnically minoritised backgrounds.
• By 2024/25, this figure rose to 71%, exceeding the sector average of 24%.
• The proportion of postgraduate research supervisors from these backgrounds increased from 32% before the project to 68%.

Professor Udy Archibong, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and lead of Brad-ATTAIN, highlighted the programme’s role in fostering fairness and opportunity in higher education. She also acknowledged the contributions of researchers, students, and the project team in achieving these outcomes.

University Leadership Comments

Professor Gillian Murray, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, stated that being shortlisted in two categories is a significant achievement. She emphasised the university’s commitment to research with real-world impact and to creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds.

The THE Awards recognise outstanding achievements across UK and Irish universities. The 2026 ceremony will take place at The Vox in Birmingham on Thursday 26 November, where finalists from 74 institutions will compete across 22 categories.