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University of Bradford up for ‘Oscars’ of higher education

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THE Awards Shortlisting banner used mainly for social media.

The University of Bradford has claimed two shortlisted spots at the ‘Oscars’ of higher education.

Each year the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards attract hundreds of entries that exemplify the talent, dedication and innovation of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life, showing countless reasons why HE institutions continue to prosper. The awards are widely recognised as the Oscars of the higher education sector. 

The University of Bradford is one of only six shortlisted for Outstanding Marketing Communications Team.

The creative output of the University of Bradford Marketing and Communications team in the 2017-18 academic year showcases its expertise in storytelling and digital innovation and is the result of effective collaboration between in-house teams and agency partners.

The team developed a research-based digital content strategy focused on student recruitment and the University’s broader business objectives. Three ‘hero’ projects exemplify the innovative, collaborative approach to marketing.

Mark Garratt, Director of External Affairs at the University of Bradford, said:

“As a smaller university with limited budgets and resources, Bradford could have solely relied on tried and tested student campaigns and rankings, but instead has taken risks and demonstrated its expertise and talent through innovative videos, virtual tours, integrated campaigns and collaborative working practices. We are extremely proud to be nominated for the THE Awards.”

Dr Julie Thornton, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, is one of only eight individuals nationally shortlisted for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year.

Dr Julie Thornton, Director, Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford

Recently appointed Director of the Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford, she has successfully supervised 17 PhD students from various backgrounds since her appointment as Lecturer in 2000, with several more commencing their studies this academic year.

Her supervision and PGR support continued throughout periods when she was working on a part-time basis raising her family, which has enabled empathy in her approach to personal as well as academic challenges for PhD students developing as independent researchers.

She strongly encourages and supports presentation and publication of PhD student work, accompanying them to conferences, introducing them to high profile research groups, giving moral support and congratulating them when their presentations win prizes.

Dr Thornton said:

“I was absolutely delighted to have been nominated for this award by my PhD students, and overjoyed to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award. It is truly rewarding to inspire, shape and invest in our future scientists and doctors.  My PhD students have come from a diverse range of backgrounds and I have endeavoured to provide an approachable, supportive, but challenging environment that has allowed them all to flourish and establish their own successful careers. I am so proud of them all.”

The winners will be announced at the THE Awards ceremony taking place on Thursday 28 November 2019 at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane in London.

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