Universities and their staff continue to be tested by the financial and political climate. But as ever, they continue to rise to every challenge. Our shortlist for the Times Higher Education Awards 2012 singles out those who uphold, and exceed, the standard of excellence. The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on 29 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. For full details, including information on how to book tickets, visit http://www.the-awards.co.uk.
Shortlist 2012
Excellence and Innovation in the Arts
Anglia Ruskin University
Queen Mary, University of London
Widening Participation Initiative of the Year
Sponsored by UNITE
Queen Mary, University of London
Regent's College London
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
Most Improved Student Experience
Sponsored by Campus Living Villages
Queen's University Belfast
Outstanding Contribution to Leadership Development
Universities Human Resources (UHR)
Outstanding Employer Engagement Initiative
Sponsored by Communications Management
Research Project of the Year
London School of Economics and Political Science
Queen Mary, University of London
University College London
Business School of the Year
Brunel Business School, Brunel University
Cass Business School, City University London
University of Exeter Business School
Lancaster University Management School
Manchester Business School, University of Manchester
Plymouth Business School, Plymouth University
Most Innovative Teacher of the Year
Sponsored by Higher Education Academy
Mark Brandon, The Open University
Aristotle Kallis, Lancaster University
Carl Senior, Aston University
David Smith, University of York
Matthew Smith, Birmingham City University
Paul Tracey, University of Salford
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainable Development
Sponsored by Berkeley First
Cardiff Metropolitan University
University of Central Lancashire
Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community
British School of Osteopathy
Dementia Services Development Centre
Southampton Solent University
Outstanding Contribution to Innovation and Technology
Outstanding Support for Early Career Researchers
King's College London
University College London
The Lord Dearing Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by Communications Management
There is no shortlist in this category. The winner, chosen by Times Higher Education's editorial board, will be announced at the awards ceremony
Outstanding Support for Students
Brunel University
Harper Adams University College
Queen's University Belfast
Outstanding ICT Initiative of the Year
University of Central Lancashire
International Collaboration of the Year
University College Plymouth St Mark & St John
Entrepreneurial University of the Year
Sponsored by NCEE
Plymouth University
University of the Year
Sponsored by Santander Universities
Brunel University
Plymouth University