The Alliance Awards are our chance to celebrate the hard work and dedication of individuals and teams from across our membership. As always, we’ll be recognising people or teams for their outstanding contributions to professional and technical education – but this year things look a little different.

We’re introducing brand new awards categories. Still sticking to the themes of collaboration, integrity, professionalism, innovation and fun, we’ve expanded our awards to include specific areas of work happening at universities. See the new categories with their descriptions further down the page!

Awards ceremony: Thursday 18 September 2025

The winners will be announced at the Alliance Awards evening on 18 September. Hosted by the University of Hertfordshire, the evening of celebration will include guest speakers, entertainment and dinner. 

Alliance Awards categories 2025

Industry Partnerships Award

Awarded for innovative university partnerships, either with industry or with public sector organisations 

Teaching Innovation Award

Awarded for innovative teaching practices. 

Research and Innovation Impact Award

Awarded for research and innovation which has had a tangible impact on the world around us. 

Local Impact Award

Awarded for work which has had a positive impact on a university’s local or regional community. 

Heroes Award

Awarded to an individual or team who have delivered initiatives to help their institutions, staff and students to thrive.   

Equity and Opportunity Award

Awarded to an individual or team who has developed impactful initiatives to improve diversity, equity and opportunity at their institution.   

Global Impact Award

Awarded for international work which has had a positive impact globally. We encourage nominations that align with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

DTA Alumni Award

For the DTA alumnus who has demonstrated their commitment to one or more of the UA principles of: openness and honesty, professionalism and positivity, solutions-focused and impactful working, democratic and collaborative behaviour, an attitude that encourages fun and enjoyment – taking them forward from the DTA programme into their post PhD activities.   

Lifetime Achievement Award

For the individual who has delivered a lifetime of exceptional service to their institution, students and to the higher education sector as a whole.