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Oxford Brookes shortlisted in Times Higher Education Awards

Oxford Brookes University has been shortlisted for Outstanding Entrepreneurial University in the Times Higher Education Awards 2021.

Known as the ‘Oscars of Higher Education’, the awards are now in their 17th year, with 20 categories celebrating inspiring and innovative achievements across the sector. This year’s awards focus on the outstanding work from universities during the 2019-20 academic year.

An early culture of enterprise

Oxford Brookes was an early pioneer in the enterprise agenda and established one of the first Enterprise Centres in the late 1990s. Today, enterprise and entrepreneurship are key elements of the university’s 2035 Strategy, and the university has five incubator spaces and a 3,000 strong enterprise community. In addition, Oxford Brookes is in the top 10% of UK universities for income from intellectual property.

In 2020, Oxford Brookes launched Enterprise Everywhere, a university-wide forum which promotes enterprise and entrepreneurship. This connects academic colleagues, professional services staff and senior leaders, helping them to collaborate and develop an entrepreneurial culture.

Professor Tim Vorley, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Oxford Brookes Business School, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that Oxford Brookes  has been shortlisted for this prestigious award.

“Enterprise and entrepreneurship are at the heart of our university, enhancing the student experience, informing research and ensuring we support our partners at a local, national and international level. I’m exceptionally proud of the hard work and collaboration demonstrated by all of our staff, students, alumni and partners.”

Through the Brookes Enterprise Support team, led by Lydiah Igweh, Oxford Brookes continues to create opportunities for students, staff and recent graduates to develop enterprising and entrepreneurial skills. This academic year, a number of training programmes continue: RISE – for ambitious, diverse entrepreneurs, BLOOM – a women-only coaching programme led by female entrepreneurs; and  THRIVE, a two-week festival in November to help budding entrepreneurs accelerate their businesses.

Recognising the best of the best in UK higher education

THE editor John Gill said: “This is the 17th year that the THE Awards will recognise the best of the best in UK higher education, across 20 categories covering all aspects of university activity. But this year’s awards will reflect a period of turmoil and innovation necessitated by the pandemic, making it quite unlike any previous year.

“With almost 600 institutions, teams and individuals nominated, it really is a fantastic achievement to make it onto this year’s shortlist.

“We look forward to celebrating the incredible response of university staff in exceptionally tough circumstances when we gather for the Oscars of higher education in November.”

The winners will be announced on Thursday 25 November at the Hilton London Metropole.

News Categories: Education and Training Corporate Research Innovation