Preston’s university has secured three nominations for the ‘Oscars’ of higher education.

University of Central Lancashire is shortlisted for its commitment to diversity, research project of the year and also for widening participation.

Only two universities have more nominations than UCLan in this year’s Times Higher Education Awards.

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Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: “I’m delighted that UCLan continues to be praised for our strengths in the areas we unashamedly focus upon and excel in, namely community participation, equality, diversity, and inclusion. UCLan is proud to be a force for positive change, championing equality and enriching lives for the public good.

“Recognition from the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards for our growing influence internationally in the field of research has also thrilled me. With our academics’ undoubted expertise, we are achieving a louder voice and delivering our research findings in the community where it’s being used for the betterment of the communities we serve.”

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UCLan’s nominations are for:

• Outstanding contribution for equality, diversity and inclusion. The Creative Mental Health framework which was delivered by students, for students.
• Research project of the year. For the dance and Parkinson’s project which was a mix of community engagement, teaching and research. Weekly hour-long classes helped participants with their mobility, balance and movement.
• Widening participation or outreach initiative of the year. UCLan’s Into Our Skies the Space in Schools project where the six week scheme used movement and dance as a way for primary school pupils to explore earth and space.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Liverpool on 7 December.

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