Sponsored by NIJobfinder.co.uk, Ulster University’s Impact Excellence Awards celebrate the transformational impact its students, graduates and research are having on societies and economies across the globe. The Awards, which took place at the Belfast Harbour Commissioner’s Office this evening, recognised the University’s collaborations with partners in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, both locally and globally.
On the night, BBC, Kainos, Titanic Foundation Ltd, Citi and the Belfast Health & Social Care Trustwere among the placement employers who were acknowledged by Ulster University for their role in supporting the next generation of highly skilled, industry-ready graduates.
Ulster University also awarded their industry partners for research collaborations that have far-reaching impact beyond academia. These span across human rights breaches and employment; connected health; new product development for the automotive market; and digital development of the manufacturing and tourism sectors.
Speaking at the Awards, Ulster University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paddy Nixon, said:
“It is credit to Ulster University’s extremely close links with industry that we are producing highly-skilled graduates, along with world-leading research, which are contributing to the economic, social and cultural development of Northern Ireland.
“Tonight’s Awards ceremony gives Ulster University the opportunity to acknowledge the commitment of our local and international partners across a wide range of sectors, from IT and manufacturing to engineering and the creative industries.
“Through research we are collaborating with industry to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges across key themes including social renewal, sustainability, healthy communities and creativity and culture. We are also helping to develop future leaders who will drive industry growth with their innovation, dedication and know-how. Together with industry we are making an impact, and I would like to congratulate all of the finalists for their contribution.”
Winners of Ulster University’s Placement Employer Impact Excellence Award categories include:
Employer Self-nominations (Over 50 employees) category
- Kainos – Winner
- Heartsine Technologies - Highly Commended
- Caterpillar - Highly Commended
- Radius Housing - Highly Commended
Employer Self-nominations (Up to 50 employees) category
- Titanic Foundation Ltd – Winner
- Intern China - Highly Commended
- Fenix Solutions - Highly Commended
Employer Self-nominations (Public Sector) category
- Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (Laboratories) – Winner
- Northern Health & Social Care Trust (Social Services) - Highly Commended
- South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust (Clinical Pathology) -Highly Commended
- Waste Management Service (Belfast City Council) - Highly Commended
Placement employer nominated by Ulster staff category
- Citi – Winner
- Ornua - Highly Commended
- Lynas Foodservice - Highly Commended
- Irish Football Association - Highly Commended
Placement employer nominated by Ulster student category
- BBC Audience Services - Winner
- PwC - Highly Commended
- Randox - Highly Commended
Winners of the Ulster University’s Research Impact Excellence Award categories include:
- Healthy Communities Impact Excellence Award – Intelesens Ltd-HeartSine Technologies in collaboration with lead academic Professor Jim McLaughlin
- Creativity & Culture Impact Excellence Award – International North West200 in collaboration with lead academic John Bustard
- Social Renewal Impact Excellence Award – Jubilee Australia in collaboration with lead academic Dr Kristian Lasslett
- Sustainability Impact Excellence Award – AVX Ltd in collaboration with lead academic Professor Tony Byrne
Winner of the Ulster University’s Knowledge Exchange Award – CDE Global Ltd in collaboration with lead academic Dr Justin Magee