The University has been shortlisted in four categories in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2026, recognising the impact of our research, professional services and civic engagement.
Liverpool is one of just seven universities to be shortlisted four or more times this year, with 125 finalists selected from more than 500 entries across 20 categories.
The four Liverpool entries span international research collaboration, technical expertise, responsible innovation with communities, and student-focused library services.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones commented:
“Having four nominations shortlisted for the THE Awards is a remarkable achievement and a source of great pride for the University. It reflects the outstanding talent, commitment and ambition across our institution. My congratulations go to Michael Bayliss, Dr Matthew Greenhall and the Library team, the Geographic Data Science Lab team, and the Civic Data Cooperative and Civic Health Innovation Labs on their shortlisting success. We look forward to the award announcements in November!”
The shortlisted entries are:
International Collaboration of the Year
Geographic Data Science Lab and the UN International Organization for Migration
Dr Elisabetta Pietrostefani and Professor Francisco Rowe and the team from the Geographic Data Science Lab in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, have been recognised for their collaboration with the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) to improve how internal displacement is measured.
The partnership combines digital trace data with established humanitarian sources to produce more timely and reliable estimates of population movements. By bringing together Liverpool’s methodological expertise and IOM’s global operational reach, the collaboration is helping strengthen evidence-based humanitarian decision-making around one of the world’s fastest-growing humanitarian challenges.
Find out more about Geographic Data Science at Liverpool
Outstanding Technician of the Year
Michael Bayliss, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Michael Bayliss has been recognised for his leadership in media production, teaching support and research communication.
During 2024/25, Michael led the redevelopment of a specialist media facility, creating sustainable audiovisual infrastructure supporting research, teaching and public engagement. He worked with more than 40 researchers across more than 15 projects, producing podcasts, documentaries and digital research content, while also delivering specialist training across 12 modules.
His work has also helped raise the profile and strategic contribution of technical professionals within higher education.
Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
Liverpool City Region Community Charter on Data and AI
Developed through the Liverpool City Region Civic Data Cooperative and hosted by the University’s Civic Health Innovation Labs, the Community Charter on Data and AI puts communities at the heart of responsible innovation.
Created through a Residents’ Assembly involving 59 people from across the city region, the Charter establishes 11 principles for responsible data sharing and AI, covering areas including transparency, inclusion, privacy, accountability and community benefit.
It is already being adopted by organisations including the NHS and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to help guide the development of data and AI projects and public services.
Read more about the Community Charter on Data and AI
Outstanding Library Team of the Year
University of Liverpool Libraries
Our libraries play a central role in supporting learning, research and student wellbeing, welcoming almost 1.6 million visits last year and providing access to nearly five million journals, e-books and physical items.
Alongside their core services, library teams support students through initiatives including the Maker Space, Student Partner Programme and KnowHow sessions, helping develop digital, academic and employment skills.
The Digital Heritage Lab and Open Research team also connect internationally important collections and research with global audiences, while libraries contribute to institutional priorities including AI literacy, research training and international partnerships.
The shortlisting recognises the breadth of this work and the contribution library teams make to student success and the wider University community.
Celebrating our colleagues
The THE Awards recognise achievement across all areas of university activity, from research and international collaboration to professional services and community engagement.
The four Liverpool shortlistings demonstrate the breadth of expertise and impact across our University and provide an opportunity to celebrate the colleagues and teams whose work is making a difference locally, nationally and internationally.
The winners will be announced at the THE Awards ceremony at The Vox in Birmingham on 26 November 2026.