University shortlisted for two Times Higher Education awards

Successful nominations are for: 

• Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community, for ‘Understanding the Me in Dementia’, a Master’s module designed for health and social care professionals working with those living with the condition 

• Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), for the development of its Managing Risk for Impaired Laboratory Users (MaRILU®), that makes reasonable adjustments for people with impairments when using laboratories 

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “To be shortlisted in two categories is a tremendous achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of our staff and colleagues. We pride ourselves both on our EDI work and our engagement with the local community, so to be recognised for our work in these areas, especially ahead of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, is fantastic.” 

Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community 

A first-of-its kind Master’s module co-created by people living with dementia has been created by the university’s Centre for Applied Dementia Studies.

The module is designed for health and social care professionals working with those living with dementia. Bradford is the first university in the UK to co-produce a postgraduate module with people living with dementia.  

Dr Danielle Jones and Clare Mason, from the University of Bradford’s Centre for Applied Dementia Studies in the Faculty of Health Studies, co-produced the postgraduate dementia education module, part of the MSc in Advanced Dementia Studies programme, with 22 people living with dementia, also known as Experts by Experience. 

Dr Jones, pictured above, said: “It has been an incredible honour to work in partnership with such an amazing community of individuals who have dementia to create novel and impactful education.  

“I feel so proud of this work, and it is a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted for this prestigious award.” 

Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

MaRILU is about making laboratories and research spaces inclusive and accessible, particularly for people with impairments. Significant emphasis has been placed on making reasonable adjustments for disabled students in teaching and assessment strategies, to facilitate the identification, assessment and accommodation of reasonable adjustments in laboratories, for example making desks, sinks and other workspaces height adjustable, making provision for people with hearing loss and catering for neurodiverse people. It demonstrates how co-creation of support systems, enables learners to feel valued as partners in the learning process, increasing their sense of belonging on the course and the university.  MaRILU can be a catalyst for change, guiding institutions to provide consistent and equitable support for disabled students in laboratory settings  

Managing Risk for Impaired Laboratory Users (MaRILU) system, this system facilitates the identification, assessment and accommodation of reasonable adjustments in laboratories. It demonstrates how co-creation of support systems enables learners to feel valued as partners in the learning process, increasing their sense of belonging to the course and the university. MaRILU can be a catalyst for change, guiding institutions to provide consistent and equitable support for disabled students in laboratory settings 

Dr Sobia Kauser, pictured above, from the School of Chemistry and Biomedical Sciences, in the Faculty of Life Sciences, said: “To support students with disabilities and impairments, we developed an innovative solution, that promotes inclusivity in the laboratory learning environment, an area which has been largely overlooked across the higher education sector. The University is taking the lead in driving this change. Our work is making a positive difference to the lives of our students, and that in itself is a tremendous achievement but to have our work recognised by being shortlisted for this very prestigious award is an added bonus.” 

Stuart Walker, Disability Advisor at the University of Bradford, said: “This shortlisting reflects the hard work of the team behind this project. EDI, in this case, is about recognising different strengths people from diverse backgrounds have and then bringing that together in the spirit of sharing, dignity, creativity and respect to solve complex problems, and I think that is one of the strengths of this university.” 

About the THE Awards 2024 

The THE Awards celebrate the extraordinary achievements of individuals and teams in UK universities. A total of 120 finalists from universities across the UK will contest 19 categories at the ceremony.  

THE editor John Gill said: “This year’s THE Awards mark the 20th anniversary of the event, which over the last two decades has celebrated the wonderful achievements of a sector that has undergone extraordinary transformation without ever losing sight of the vital role it plays across the UK and Ireland. 

“In 2024 it’s fair to say that higher education is going through a challenging period, but these awards are a constant reminder that we should never underestimate the dedication and drive of those who work in our universities to transforming lives for the better. 

“Enthusiasm for these awards as a way to celebrate those achievements remains undimmed, with more entries in our 20th year than ever before. 

“Our sincere congratulations to all those shortlisted in such a competitive year – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage, and we very much look forward to celebrating with you all at our 20th birthday party in Birmingham on 28 November.” 

Winners will be announced at a ceremony held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham on Thursday 28 November.