Series of prizes
The Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education are a biennially awarded series of prizes awarded to universities and colleges in the further and higher education sectors within the United Kingdom . Uniquely it forms part of the British honours system , to date rounds have occurred in 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023.
The Queen's Anniversary Prizes recognise outstanding work by UK colleges and universities that shows quality and innovation and delivers real benefit to the wider world and public through education and training. The Prizes are the highest national Honour awarded in UK further and higher education.[ 1]
The prize is awarded by the Royal Anniversary Trust, a registered charity founded in 1990 to develop a program to mark 1992 as the 40th year of Elizabeth II 's reign as British monarch . The program had these four goals:
celebrate the anniversary establish an educational award promote cultural awareness of the development of the United Kingdom's constitutional monarchy to promote commerce, industry, and the advancement of education Past winners have been recognized for work in a wide range of disciplines such as science, engineering, arts and the creative industries, education, the humanities, the environment and medicine.
The next round of winners will be introduced in Autumn of 2025.
The educational award which the Royal Anniversary Trust established was the Queen's Anniversary Prize.[ 2]
Category Winning institution Winning department, division or project Education & Training Carlisle College Educational access throughout life International Engagement College of North West London Eastern European Links: expertise and skills transfer Education & Training Greenhead College Performance monitoring to realise student potential Science & Mathematics Hackney Community College Bringing young women into the sciences Medicine, Health & Welfare King's College London Medical law and ethics: teaching, research and public debate. Engineering & Technology Leeds Metropolitan University Technology transfer and support for small and medium sized businesses. International Dimensions Liverpool Hope College The Ladakh Project: teaching and training in India for Tibetans. Education & Training Middlesex University Off-campus learning, training and research for commerce, industry and public services Environment Queen's University Belfast Environmental research & training in partnership with industry. International Engagement School of Oriental and African Studies International distance learning: economics and finance for senior executives Education & Training Open University Teacher training: opening up careers through part-time distance learning Education & Training The Sheffield College Braille skills accreditation: providing a new and recognised national qualification The Arts University of Edinburgh Music in the community: a course for advanced music students relating to public work in the community. Science and Mathematics University of Manchester Biological sciences: multidisciplinary teaching and research. Engineering & Technology University of Strathclyde Electrical power engineering: teaching and research. The Arts London Institute Paper conservation: teaching and technology Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Birmingham The Wroxeter Project: archaeology, technology and the community. Medicine, Health & Welfare University of Exeter Diabetes and vascular health education and research: microvascular processes and associated work. Medicine, Health & Welfare University of Hull Social work: consultancy, teaching and research. International Engagement University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology Technical education. technology transfer and academic and trade relations with Japan Medicine, Health & Welfare University of Oxford Molecular medicine: collaborative research and transfer of results. Engineering & Technology University of Surrey Engineering for the space industry: teaching and research for satellite operations. Science and Mathematics University of York Computer science: teaching, research and transfer of technology.
Category Winning institution Rationale Education & Training MidKent College A model programme for customer service Education & Training Birmingham College of Food, Tourism & Creative Studies Education and training for the hospitality and tourism industries Education & Training City College Plymouth Local outreach centres for retraining and lifelong learning Science & Mathematics Godalming College Research and innovative teaching for 'A' Level science Education & Training Hills Road Sixth Form College Upgrading facilities and teaching in sports and music for use by the college and the region International Dimensions Loughborough University International development engineering: teaching, training, research and consultancy for developing countries. Education & Training Middlesex University Creation of materials for technology teaching in schools. International Dimensions Royal Holloway, University of London Information security: teaching and research in a crucial IT field. The Arts Royal Northern College of Music Teaching of musical instruments to large groups. The Arts The Arts University College at Bournemouth Education for the film industry. Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Sheffield Humanities research: new cultural access through IT. The Arts London Institute Creativity and innovation in fashion education Science & Mathematics University of Cambridge Mathematics applied: the Isaac Newton Centre. Medicine, Health & Welfare University of Dundee Minimal access surgery: new techniques and treatments. Medicine, Health & Welfare University of Exeter Children's health and exercise: research and dissemination. Science & Mathematics University of Glasgow Computing science: teaching and research. Engineering & Technology University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology Engineering and technology in industry: advanced degree programmes. Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Reading Shakespearean research: Internet and the Globe Theatre. Education & Training University of Wales, Lampeter Accreditation and up-skilling of workers from the voluntary sector. Medicine, Health & Welfare University of Wales College of Medicine Chemiluminescence: research and development in clinical diagnosis. Engineering & Technology University of Wales, Swansea Industry oriented degrees in materials engineering.
Category Winning institution Rationale Education & Training Deeside College Commercial services: training for local and national The Arts and Creative Industries Hills Road Sixth Form College Art and design: a community partnership Engineering & Technology Imperial College of Science, Technology & Medicine Process systems engineering: research and technology transfer Science and Mathematics John Leggott College Science teaching: dissemination and partnership in the region Humanities, Social Sciences and Law King's College London Defence and post-war studies: education, research and training Humanities, Social Sciences & Law London School of Economics & Political Science Unemployment and inequality: research, teaching and policy development Science & Mathematics Loughborough University Sports development, education and research Science and Mathematics Matthew Boulton College of FE & HE Cleaning science: education and training for industry Environment and Conservation New College Nottingham Renovation of a heritage building and the creation of a new campus Medicine and Health Queen Margaret University Clinical application of speech science The Arts and Creative Industries Royal Northern College of Music International music festivals: education, cultural and for the public Humanities, Social Sciences & Law Sabhal Mor Ostaig Promotion of Gaelic language and culture Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Cambridge Charles Darwin Correspondence Project Medicine and Health University College London Oral health care: teaching, research and patient care Engineering and Technology University of Greenwich Development of IT evacuation tools for the safety industry Science and Mathematics University of Leicester Genetics: research and impact on science and society Science & Mathematics University of Manchester Institute of Science & Technology Corrosion control and protection: education, research and technology transfer International Engagement University of Oxford Refugee Studies Centre: education, training and research Medicine and Health University of Sheffield Health and social care of older people: research and policy development Engineering & Technology University of Surrey Research & development of ion beams and optoelectronic devices
Category Winning institution Rationale Engineering and Technology Accrington and Rossendale College Access and achievement in construction industry education Medicine and Health Birkbeck, University of London Neuropsychological work with the very young: improving the understanding of brain function and cognitive development International Engagement Chichester College Developing the college and its community through international student intake and integration Engineering and Technology Cranfield University The Fellowship in Manufacturing Management: improving cost effectiveness for industry The Arts and Creative Industries Guildhall School of Music & Drama Guildhall Connect: a large-scale programme using musical creativity to engage and inspire young people Humanities, Social Sciences & Law Harper Adams University Developing women-owned business to support the rural economy Engineering & Technology Lancaster University Connecting the last mile: providing the largest rural high-capacity regional broadband network for education in Europe Science and Mathematics Liverpool John Moores University Developing the world’s largest robotic telescopes and creating access for the public and school students Medicine and Health London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Reducing blindness worldwide Education & Training Loreto College Educational provision in an urban context: raising aspiration and achievement Humanities, Social Sciences & Law Loughborough University Enhancing social policy nationally Environment and Conservation Newcastle University Remedies for mine water pollution worldwide Environment and Conservation Queen's University Belfast Ionic liquids: a green solution for pollution Medicine and Health University of Edinburgh The virtual hospital online: transforming veterinary and medical education Science & Mathematics University of Cambridge The Millennium Mathematics Project: inspiring the study of mathematics Medicine and Health University of Dundee Enabling the discovery of new drugs and their development to treat major global diseases Medicine and Health University of Exeter Using genetics to improve clinical care for diabetic patients Medicine and Health University of Oxford Uniquely large-scale medical studies: preventing disability and prolonging life Environment and Conservation University of Reading Weather and climate science: research, training and informing environmental policymaking Engineering & Technology University of Southampton Sound and vibration: improving the quality of life for the profoundly deaf and reducing noise pollution Environment and Conservation University of York Novel agricultural products: a sustainable future for farming manufacture, health care and crime prevention
Category Winning institution Rationale Engineering and Technology Aberdeen College Delivering skills in the oil and gas industry and supporting community integration Environment and Conservation Aberystwyth University Plant breeding and genetics for economic, environmental and educational benefit Humanities, Social Sciences and Law Cardiff University Reducing violence in the local community Education & Training City College Norwich A radical new approach in support of learners with Asperger Syndrome Education and Training City of Sunderland College Delivering essential skills in maths and English to the community Engineering & Technology Edinburgh Napier University Innovative housing construction for environmental benefit and quality of life Medicine and Health Keele University Pioneering early intervention and primary care in the management of chronic pain Medicine and Health King's College London International collaborations promoting excellence in mental health care Environment and Conservation Lancaster University Plant science applied to water shortage, crop yield and global food security Humanities, Social Sciences and Law London School of Economics & Political Science Applying research to the advancement of global health and social care policy Medicine and Health Newcastle University Research on ageing, with important implications for health and care International Engagement School of Oriental and African Studies Specialised teaching of a wide range of African, Asian and Middle Eastern languages Education & Training Thames Valley University Pathways to skills, employment and higher education in the hospitality industry International Engagement The Open University A major contribution to primary teacher education in Africa through a large-scale open learning programme (TESSA) International Engagement University of East Anglia Alleviating poverty in developing countries through environmental sustainability Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Essex Advancing the legal and broader practice of international human rights Engineering & Technology University of Leeds Forty years' sustained excellence in teaching and applied research in transport Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Oxford Museums, libraries and archives in support of research, learning and public education Humanities, Social Sciences and Law University of Reading World-leading archaeology: making the past work for the present Engineering & Technology University of Warwick Long-term educational partnerships supporting UK competitiveness in manufacturing Humanities, Social Sciences and Law University of York A long term contribution to UK social policies to improve the lives of vulnerable people
Category Winning institution Rationale Engineering and Technology Bournemouth University World-class computer animation teaching with wide scientific and creative applications Environment and Conservation Brunel University of London Protecting the environment from hormone-disrupting chemicals and pollutants Education & Training Coleg Llandrillo Cymru An original and large-scale approach to high quality training in hospitality and catering Engineering & Technology Cranfield University World-leading work in aviation safety through research and training in air accident investigation Education & Training Hackney Community College Enabling people with mental health needs to gain education and employment skills Medicine and Health Queen's University Belfast Boosting cancer survival rates International Engagement South Nottingham College Education, sports training and volunteering in the community, at home and overseas Engineering & Technology University of Manchester Internationally renowned research and skills training for the nuclear industry Environment and Conservation University of Plymouth Education and research solutions for the global marine sector Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Bath Influential applied research into child poverty, and support for vulnerable people Engineering & Technology University of Birmingham New technologies and leadership in formulation engineering in support of UK manufacturing Medicine and Health University College London Internationally-distinguished research and pioneering clinical therapy in eye disease The Arts and Creative Industries University of East Anglia Groundbreaking and inventive programmes in creative writing with wide international impact Engineering & Technology University of Leeds Innovative joint replacement and regenerative technologies to improve quality of life Environment and Conservation University of Nottingham A comprehensive and multifaceted approach to global challenges of food security Environment and Conservation University of Oxford Wildlife and environmental conservation: WildCRU’s leading work in applied science and community action The Arts and Creative Industries University of Reading Teaching and design applications in typography, through print and new technologies Environment and Conservation University of St Andrews Research and teaching to promote better governance of the oceans Engineering & Technology University of Southampton Innovation and world-beating expertise in performance sports engineering Engineering and Technology University of Surrey Wide-ranging and global work improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of York Leading-edge work in archaeology from prehistory to the modern age
Category Winning institution Rationale Environment and Conservation Cardiff University Geoenvironmental solutions to major challenges of land, groundwater quality and regeneration Engineering & Technology Coleg Cambria Centre of excellence for aerospace training Education & Training Cornwall College Vocational training for land-based industries empowering and developing the local rural economy Engineering & Technology Loughborough University Research and skills development in High Value Manufacturing creating new products, processes and economic growth Engineering and Technology MidKent College Engineering and construction training for the Army producing a major contribution to the local economy Humanities, Social Sciences & Law Northumbria University The Student Law Office: a distinctive contribution to legal education providing access to justice in the local community Education & Training Teesside University Growing digital business start-ups by graduates and creating entrepreneurship and opportunity in the local economy Medicine and Health University of Edinburgh Extending professional and academic skills in surgery through international online training at Masters level Humanities, Social Sciences and Law University of Kent Improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities Engineering & Technology University of Manchester Pioneering imaging techniques for advanced materials and manufacturing The Arts and Creative Industries University of the Arts London Industrial and product design contributing to the strength of the creative economy Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Bedfordshire Applied research on child sexual exploitation influencing new safeguarding policy and practice Medicine and Health University of Bristol Obstetrics and neonatal practice: saving babies’ lives around the world Medicine and Health University College London Creating the bioprocess engineering base for converting research into new medicines Medicine and Health University of Dundee Research in human anatomy applied to forensic and victim identification worldwide Environment and Conservation University of Glasgow Research on links between human activity and animal ecology, bringing international health benefits Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Leicester Inter-connected research and expertise in history, heritage and archaeology, highlighted by the discovery of Richard III Medicine and Health University of Oxford Practical and cost-effective improvements in prevention of stroke Humanities, Social Sciences and Law Newcastle University Long-term research and new strategies for the rural and social economy Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Stirling Research into the impact of product marketing on children’s health which has widely influenced international policies
Category Winning institution Rationale The Arts and Creative Industries Arts University Bournemouth Distinguished degree level education in costume design for the UK’s leading creative industries Environment and Conservation Cranfield University Large-scale soil and environmental data for sustainable use of the natural resources in the UK and worldwide Medicine and Health Cardiff University Diagnosis and treatment of vision problems in children with Down's syndrome Engineering & Technology Harper Adams University Innovative applications in agricultural engineering and technologies to address UK and global food security Humanities, Social Sciences & Law London School of Economics and Political Science Training, research and policy formation for cities of the future and a new generation of urban leaders in other countries Medicine and Health London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Responding to the Ebola crisis with clinical action, local training and new preventative strategies The Arts and Creative Industries National Film and Television School Specialist training for film and television to provide exceptional and recognised talent for the UK creative economy Engineering and Technology Newcastle College Supporting the development of transport infrastructure in the North of England Environment and Conservation Scotland's Rural University College Managing the environmental impact of dairy cattle Medicine and Health Institute of Cancer Research Pre-eminent work in cancer drug discovery with benefits to patients globally Medicine and Health University of Edinburgh Clinical innovations to respond to major unmet needs in women's health Medicine and Health University of Aberdeen Health service research leading to improvements in academic and clinical practice and delivery of health care Engineering & Technology University of Birmingham Advanced engineering and innovative technology in support of the developing UK rail industry Medicine and Health University of Durham Leading influential research on parent-infant sleep, with a widely-used public information service Environment and Conservation University of East Anglia Combined natural, social and environmental sciences to advance understanding and protection of the environment Humanities, Social Sciences & Law University of Essex Authoritative social and economic research to inform the policies of governments for the improvement of people’s lives Humanities, Social Sciences and Law University of Glasgow The Historical Thesaurus of English , a unique resource for scholarship, education and creativity Medicine and Health University of Liverpool A lead role in drug safety, drug design and improvements of existing therapies with outstanding work on HIV Engineering & Technology University of Southampton Innovations in photonics that enhance the global fibre internet, laser manufacturing, next generation computing and new optical technologies Medicine and Health University of Surrey Leading research and teaching in food and nutrition informing public policy on diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and other dietary related issues Education & Training Weston College Employment and education opportunities for those with special needs and disabilities
