UEL takes top prizes at the London Higher Awards

The accolades recognised the University for its Outstanding Contribution to Enhancing the Overseas Student Experience in London and for Best Research/Knowledge Exchange Collaboration in London.

The wins underscore the University's strategic focus on creating career opportunities for all and enhancing the wellbeing of its communities.

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Amanda Broderick said,

Winning these two prestigious awards is a true reflection of our strategic priorities and core values at the University of East London. 

These awards celebrate our commitment to enhancing the international student journey and advancing impactful health research, reaffirming our dedication to fostering excellence and making a meaningful difference in our community. Our multi award-winning careers-first education and world-leading research for a greener, healthier, fairer world continues serve our local and global community, pioneering opportunity for the future."

In the Outstanding Contribution to Enhancing the Overseas Student Experience in London category, judges heard that UEL offers exceptional support to its nearly 7,000 international students, fostering a diverse and vibrant community. Pre-arrival Kickstarter and Orientation programmes help students integrate smoothly. Meanwhile, personalised support improves student engagement, attendance, and performance and is reflected in International Student Barometer scores, with satisfaction rates of 90 per cent or higher.

Professor Fatima Annan-Diab, Executive Dean of the Royal Docks School of Business and Law, said, “Winning this award is a testament to our unwavering focus on the student experience and journey, which lies at the heart of our mission. This recognition celebrates the collective efforts of our staff and the remarkable achievements of our students, reaffirming our pledge to enhance every aspect of their educational journey."

Dr David Tann, Dean of the School of Architecture, Computing and Engineering, said, “I want to thank all our colleagues whose hard work and dedication to supporting international students led to this brilliant award. Let’s continue working closely across all schools and professional services to create an even more welcoming and supportive environment for our students.”

UEL won Best Research/Knowledge Exchange Collaboration in London for a project conducted with Queen Mary University and London Metropolitan University.

The three universities partnered with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the Tower Hamlets Council for Voluntary Service to form the Tower Hamlets Health Determinants Research Collaboration (TH-HDRC), which was awarded a £5 million grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research. 

The collaboration aims to create the culture and infrastructure to enable high-quality co-produced research into the social determinants of health and to use the findings to benefit communities in Tower Hamlets.

Mrs Gail May, Director of the Office for Postgraduates, Research and Engagement, said, “We’re delighted to win this award. Our commitment to east London is deeply rooted in our history and civic mission and this significant collaboration places co-production with communities at the heart of addressing the social determinants of health.” 

London Higher launched the awards to mark its 25th anniversary year “recognising the amazing work that our higher education institutions are doing in London”.