Terms of Eligibility

The Development and Alumni Relations Office is delighted to recognise the contributions of staff and students to philanthropic fundraising and alumni engagement. We have received tremendous support over the past year and this award will recognise any of the following activities that have contributed to the University’s strategic aims

• engagement with our alumni, including events, visits and other activities;
• engagement with donors and potential donors;
• personally giving or fundraising in aid of University initiatives;
• raising awareness of the impact and importance of philanthropic giving.

The benefits of fundraising and alumni relations impact the whole University community and this Award is intended to recognise the people that enable this across the institution.

ELIGIBILITY
The Excellence Award for Philanthropy / Alumni Engagement recognises any member of staff who has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the University through philanthropic (charitable) or alumni engagement activities (UK and/or overseas).

Summary of eligibility

1. This award is open to all staff currently employed at the University of Aberdeen
2.  Applicants must demonstrate how they have contributed to the University’s philanthropic aims or alumni engagement activities.
3. Only one entry per applicant is allowed.
4. Applications should include examples of impactful activities from the past 12-24 months.

Summary of terms

Nominations must be made using the form provided. Self-nominations or nominations from the Development and Alumni Relations Office are welcomed.

The decision of the judging panel is final.

This award recognises an alum aged 35 or under who has graduated within the last 10 years and has already made a positive impact locally, nationally, or internationally in their professional, voluntary, or charitable roles. They can be showcased as an inspiration to current students and their fellow alumni and have shown excellence in their field.

Terms of eligibility

• The nominee should hold a degree or other qualification from the University of Aberdeen or its predecessor and affiliated institutions
• Nominations can be made by anyone, including self-nomination
• Self-nominations should be accompanied by a letter of support from an independent referee
• Honorary degree recipients are not eligible unless they have studied at the University
• Former winners will not be eligible to be nominated again in the category they previously won
• Nominees must be living at the time of nomination and no posthumous awards will be given
• Alumni who have previously requested no contact from the University will be ineligible for nomination

We are so grateful to all the Aberdeen alumni that give up their time to help, support and guide our current students as well as their fellow graduates. This award goes to an alum who has volunteered their time and expertise to support the activities of our students and other members of the Aberdeen family.

Terms of eligibility

• The nominee should hold a degree or other qualification from the University of Aberdeen or its predecessor and affiliated institutions
• Nominations can be made by anyone, including self-nomination
• Self-nominations should be accompanied by a letter of support from an independent referee
• Honorary degree recipients are not eligible unless they have studied at the University
• Former winners will not be eligible to be nominated again in the category they previously won
• Nominees must be living at the time of nomination and no posthumous awards will be given
• Alumni who have previously requested no contact from the University will be ineligible for nomination

University of Aberdeen alumni make outstanding contributions in every walk of life and this award recognises an alum who has made an impact through their professional, voluntary, or charitable role be that locally, nationally, or internationally.  This graduate will be a strong leader, inspirational to current students and their fellow alumni and have shown excellence in their field.

Terms of eligibility

• The nominee should hold a degree or other qualification from the University of Aberdeen or its predecessor and affiliated institutions
• Nominations can be made by anyone, including self-nomination
• Self-nominations should be accompanied by a letter of support from an independent referee
• Honorary degree recipients are not eligible unless they have studied at the University
• Former winners will not be eligible to be nominated again in the category they previously won
• Nominees must be living at the time of nomination and no posthumous awards will be given
• Alumni who have previously requested no contact from the University will be ineligible for nomination

Terms of eligibility

The Emily Drouet Award is an annual celebration of kindness. Part of the University’s Excellence Awards, the Emily Drouet Award recognises a University of Aberdeen student who has gone above and beyond to support others, acting with selflessness and kindness even in the smallest of actions.

The Deputy Director of People, a member of the Senior Management Team, Students’ Union President and Fiona Drouet MBE will review the shortlisted applications and decisions for the Award will be made on the strength of the supporting statements demonstrating the qualities that the nominee shared with Emily, particularly those of selflessness and kindness.

These awards allow Academic and Academic-Related staff to make peer-to-peer nominations for colleagues, as well as self-nominations. This includes Lecturers, Teaching/Research Assistants and Fellows, Readers or Professors. The nominee must be a current member of staff at the University of Aberdeen.

These awards are open to nominations from staff only, students should visit the Students’ Union & University of Aberdeen to make nominations. Staff in Professional and Support Services are not eligible to be nominated in this category but can make nominations for academic colleagues. These terms are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the Vice-Principal for Education.

The Vice Principal for Education, joined by University of Aberdeen Deans, will review all nominations and agree the winner and shortlisted nominees for each award. Decisions for each award will be made based on the strength of the nomination; the support offered to students; and the impact on teaching and learning. The decisions of the judging panel are final.

The Principal’s Awards for Excellence in Professional and Support Services recognise the exceptional contributions made by individuals and teams. They recognise the positive impact staff can have on others and highlight the significant contributions of staff in fulfilling the objectives and values of the University.

Only staff in Professional and Support Services are eligible to be nominated in these categories. For clarity: 

Support Staff are non-academic staff who are in posts grade 1-4.
Professional Services are non-academic staff in posts grade 5-9. 

Nominations are welcome from line managers, colleagues, students and representatives from external organisations in the following categories:

Award Categories

• Excellence in Customer Service
  A member of staff who has consistently delivered an outstanding level of customer service.
• Excellence in Leadership
  A manager who has demonstrated outstanding leadership which encouraged, motivated and inspired others.
• Excellence in Partnership Working
  A member of staff who has worked consistently and effectively with partners, or collaborated with others to support the University's strategic priorities.
• Excellence in Equality, Diversity & Sustainability
  A member of staff who has championed and advanced equality and diversity, or a member of staff who has made an outstanding contribution to enhancing the local community or the environment.
• Excellence in Creativity & Innovation 
  A member of staff who has created or implemented a new and innovative approach within their area of responsibility, which has supported the achievement of strategic ambitions
• Rising Star 
  A new member of staff (<2 years service) who has shown continuous commitment, enthusiasm and dedication to deliver outstanding services.
• Outstanding Contribution to a Team or Role
  A member of staff who has made an outstanding contribution through an ‘above and beyond’ attitude as well as dedication and willingness to promote wellbeing and help and support other colleagues.
• Outstanding Team
  A team who has made an outstanding contribution to the University in achieving their objectives. This team could be an existing business unit or an ad hoc team put together to achieve specific objectives.

The University Secretary & Chief Operating Officer along with two Professional Services Directors and a Trade Union representative will review all nominations and agree those shortlisted. Decisions for each award will be made based on the strength of nominations against the criteria for the category under which they have been submitted. 

The Outstanding Research Project Awards recognise projects carried out by individual researchers or teams of researchers that are innovative or have made a significant breakthrough or a major contribution to their field. 

In 2025, awards will be made in the following categories:

• Research Project - STEM subject areas (PGR or ECR nominees)
• Research Project - SHAPE subject areas (PGR or ECR nominees)
• Research Project – SHAPE subject areas (nominees at further stage of career development) 
• Research Project – STEM subject areas (nominees at further stage of career development)

STEM = Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
SHAPE = Social Sciences, Humanities, Arts and the Economy

Further information

Applicants will be required to identify a lead researcher and indicate whether the lead researcher is a PGR student or an Early Career Researcher (ECR) or at a further stage of career development.

Summary of eligibility

1. This prize is open to all staff employed in a research capacity and to all postgraduate research students registered at the University of Aberdeen on the closing date.
2. Applications must demonstrate how the nominated research project has achieved recognition and impact within their field and/or influenced their field of research/expertise.  
3. Applications should include research that has been presented or published within the last three years 

Summary of terms

1. Nominations must be made using the form provided. Nominations are welcome from Supervisors, Directors of Research or Heads of School who are encouraged to discuss with the nominee to ensure that the application is as full and comprehensive as possible. Individuals may also self-nominate.  
2. You may include letters of support from external sources explaining the significance of the research to the field. Multiple letters of support should be submitted as a single pdf. 
3. The judging panel will include members drawn from academic Schools. The decision of the judging panel is final. 
4. References to REF scores or journal impact factors should not be included.
5. There is no single definition of an Early Career Researcher but for the purposes of these awards, we encourage the use of the definition “a researcher who is in the first four years (or full-time equivalent) of their research activity which is often interpreted as starting from the completion of their PhD, or is a researcher of equivalent professional standing”.

Outstanding Research Awards: Interdisciplinary Research Award (for researchers from different fields working on an interdisciplinary project)

ELIGIBILITY

The Interdisciplinary Research Award recognises one or more researchers who have recently worked as part of an interdisciplinary team and carried out innovative research or made a significant breakthrough or a major contribution to their field through interdisciplinary working.  The research must demonstrate using and integrating knowledge and methods from different disciplines and teams to generate new approaches to create new knowledge or innovation.

Summary of eligibility

• This prize is open to all staff currently employed in a research capacity at the University of Aberdeen and postgraduate research students registered at the University of Aberdeen on the closing date.  At least one applicant in an interdisciplinary team must qualify under these terms at the closing date.
• Applications must demonstrate how the research put forward by the applicant(s) was interdisciplinary and how their contribution to the interdisciplinary team made a difference. The judging panel will prioritise identified projects/pieces of research as opposed to applications evidencing achievements across a number of different projects. 
• Applications should include research that has been presented or published within the last 36 months (i.e. since October 2021).

Summary of terms

1. Nominations must be made using the form provided.  Nominations are encouraged from Supervisors, Directors of Research or Heads of School who are encouraged to discuss with the nominee to ensure that the application is as comprehensive as possible.  Teams can self-nominate, and applicants can nominate on behalf of an interdisciplinary team.  Nominations must be made using the form provided.
2. You may include letters of support from external sources explaining the significance of the research to the field.  Multiple letters of support should be submitted as a single pdf.
3. The decision of the judging panel is final.
4. This is open to researchers at all stages of their career.
5. References to REF scores should not be included. 

ELIGIBILITY

The aim of this prize is to recognise successful engagement with industry that has resulted in a significant impact on the industry partner’s processes, products or services. 
 

Summary of eligibility

1. Applications may be submitted by the academic or the industry partner or an industry body.  Applications must have the support of the industry partner(s) demonstrated through one or more letters of support.
2. The judging panel will prioritise submissions that cover dedicated projects (with individual or multiple industry partners) over submissions that showcase multiple projects with industry, although the latter may also be submitted.
3. The judging panel will be seeking projects that have had a significant impact on the industry partner’s business without regard to the amount of funding or length of project.
4. More than one researcher may be named within nominations, but the nomination has to make clear the contribution of each researcher to the project.
5. A letter of support from industry must accompany the submission. Multiple letters of support can be submitted preferably in one pdf.
6. This prize is open to all staff currently employed in a research capacity at the University of Aberdeen and postgraduate research students currently registered at the University of Aberdeen.
7. Applications must demonstrate that the industry engagement has had a real effect on or benefit to the industry partner e.g. through the development of a new procedure, process or service.  There are no restrictions on the length or monetary value of the engagement.
8. Industry is defined broadly as any organisation with a mission to create economic or social impact. Note that public sector organisations are not eligible.
9. Industry engagement which has started and/or finished since October 2020 is eligible for submission. 
10. Staff or students whose primary role within the University is industry engagement are not eligible to apply.

Summary of terms

1. Nominations must be made using the form provided.
2. The judging panel will include Enterprise & Innovation Champions from academic Schools.  The decision of the judging panel is final.
3. Winning entries may be used for case studies to promote industry engagement internally and externally.  Case studies will be provided to the industry partners and confidential information will not be used in case studies.
4. This award is open to researchers at all stages of their career.
5. References to REF scores or journal impact factors should not be included.

Research Impact Award

The Impact Award recognises a project or projects, or a body of work, carried out by individual researchers or teams of researchers that has resulted in significant non-academic impact. 
Non-academic impact is defined as the demonstrable effect that the research has had on society and/or the economy, and the benefit that the research has had on individuals, organisations or nations.

Summary of eligibility    

• This prize is open to all staff currently employed at the University of Aberdeen and postgraduate research students registered at the University of Aberdeen on the closing date.
• Applications must provide a succinct outline of the impact that has been achieved and demonstrate the link between the research and the impact.  
• Impacts that have been submitted as part of the University’s REF2021 submission are not eligible, however, continuing impacts that show additional progress or outcomes will be considered.
• Previous winners of this award are eligible to apply but would have to demonstrate substantial impact over their previous application.

Summary of terms

• Nominations must be made using the form provided.  Nominations are encouraged from Supervisors, School Impact Leads, Directors of Research or Heads of School who are encouraged to first discuss with the nominated team to ensure that the application is as full and comprehensive as possible.  Individuals may also self-nominate.  
• You must include at least one letter of support from an external source explaining the significance of the impact, specifically that supports any benefit or potential benefits (of any size) that can be attested by external partners to date.  Multiple letters of support should be submitted as a single pdf. 
• The judging panel will include Impact Leads from academic Schools.  The decision of the judging panel is final. 
• The judging criteria will include the strength of the link between the research and the impact, the engagement from the research team that led to the impact and the importance of the impact to the beneficiaries.  Applicants should focus on the impacts rather than the engagement.
• References to REF scores or journal impact factors should not be included.
• There is no single definition of an Early Career Researcher but for the purposes of these awards, we encourage the use of the definition “a researcher who is in the first four years (or full time equivalent) of their research activity which is often interpreted as starting from the completion of their PhD, or is a researcher of equivalent professional standing”.

The Outstanding Postgraduate Research Supervisor Award recognises an individual who has delivered outstanding supervision to one or more doctoral research students. We are seeking nominations of supervisors who are providing a supportive, stimulating and inspirational research environment for doctoral students.

We are particularly keen to receive nominations of supervisors who demonstrate:

• Innovative (or pioneering) approaches to supervision (e.g., students from non-traditional backgrounds)
• Outstanding support for students during challenging times
•  Genuine enthusiasm for supervising students
• Development of outstanding career paths for their students

Postgraduate students are also invited to nominate their supervisor for this award.

Summary of eligibility

1. This prize is open to all staff actively supervising doctoral students and employed at the University of Aberdeen on the closing date.
2. Nominations must demonstrate why and how the nominated staff member has provided outstanding supervision and support during their postgraduate research studies.
3. Students nominating their supervisors must be registered at the University of Aberdeen for a doctoral postgraduate research degree or must have completed their studies no more than one year prior to the closing date.

Summary of terms

1. Nominations from staff and students must be made using the form provided. 
2. The judging panel will include the Postgraduate Research Dean, two School PGR Directors and two PGR reps drawn from the Doctoral representatives' group. The decision of the judging panel is final.

Summary of eligibility 

• Applications can be submitted by the nominee or by another member of University staff. 
• Eligible candidates must be current University of Aberdeen staff or postgraduate student. 
• Applications may not be submitted to a category the applicant has previously won. 
• Applications must demonstrate a substantive research-led approach to the public engagement undertaken. Examples may include:- 
  • Engaging publics about research (e.g. talks, workshops, broadcasting and media). 
  • Supporting communities (e.g. working with pupils and teachers, community groups, engaging with policymakers). 
  • Inspiring the next generation. 
  • Addressing societal concerns. 
  • Fostering collaborative or partnership approaches. 
• Supporting evidence must include contributions within the past 24 months. 
• Applications that demonstrate creative and innovative approaches to public engagement are particularly welcomed. 
• Applications should indicate any learning outcomes and experiences achieved though the public engagement and successful nominees should be willing to share these. 
• Staff and students whose primary role is around public engagement and members of the Public Engagement with Research Unit at the University of Aberdeen are ineligible for this prize. 
• Applicants should select the category for which they wish to be considered. 

Summary of terms 

• The Principal’s Prize for Public Engagement with Research is an annual award to reflect outstanding achievement in the field of research and researcher-led public engagement. 
• Nominations should be submitted by completing the online form linked at abdn.ac.uk/excellenceawards  
• The decision of the judging panel is final 

Judging Decisions

The public engagement prizes are judged annually by a different judging panel. The panel is composed of both internal and external judges all of whom have a strong interest or career in public engagement. The panel are chosen to reflect a breadth of interest across different subject maters and always bring a fresh perspective.

The public engagement prizes are judged annually by a different judging panel. The panel is composed of both internal and external judges all of whom have a strong interest or career in public engagement. The panel are chosen to reflect a breadth of interest across different subject maters and always bring a fresh perspective.

Award Categories 

1. Best Undergraduate Lecturer
2. Best Supervisor (Undergraduate) 
3. Best Postgraduate (Taught) Lecturer
4. Personal Tutor of the Year
5. Most Accessible Lecturer 
6. Mental Health Champion  
7. Most Inspiring 
8. Funniest lecturer 
9. Best Support Staff (individual award)
10. Best Support Team or Service 
11. Best Student Class Rep 
12. Best Student Ambassador
13. Best Overall Course 
14. Most Creative Assessment

Terms of eligibility

1. For award categories 1 – 10 and 14, nominators must be a current student of the University of Aberdeen. Nominators can be Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research students. The nominee must be a current member of academic staff at the University. (See summary of terms for clarification). 
2. For award categories 11 - 12, nominators can be Academic staff, staff in Professional and Support Services, Undergraduate students, Postgraduate Taught students or Postgraduate Research students. The nominee must be a current student at the University. Nominees can be Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research students.
3. For award category 13, nominators must be a current student of the University of Aberdeen. Nominators can be Undergraduate, Postgraduate Taught or Postgraduate Research students. The nominee(s) must be current member(s) of academic staff at the University. (See summary of terms for clarification). More than one staff member can be nominated in the Best Overall Course award. The nominator should include the course number in the award submission.
4. Self-nominations for these awards will not be considered.

Summary of Terms

1. Academic Staff – The term ‘academic staff’ refers to the requirement that staff nominated for this award must be involved in one of the Academic Schools as a member of teaching staff. 
2.  Professional and Support Services – This term refers to any department or staff position not directly related to Academic teaching. Examples would include staff members in Student Support, Registry, the Infohub, Students' Union, Estates & Facilities, Catering, Research & Innovation, Careers & Employability Service etc.
    

The Dean for Student Support & Experience, along with the Vice-President for Education met with the Students’ Union Education Committee, which comprises members of the student body and class reps, to review all nominations and agree the shortlisted nominations. Decisions for each award will be made based on the strength of the nomination; the support offered to students; and the impact on teaching and learning.