Recognising our people Ulster Excellence Awards

Shaun McNutt, a 24-year-old Electrical Craftsperson at DLD Campus, has been awarded the Rising Star Award.

Since joining the maintenance team in May 2024, Shaun has exhibited an exceptional commitment to his role, significantly impacting the morale of his team with his infectious enthusiasm and customer-focused approach.

His proactive engagement has greatly enhanced campus safety and operational standards, notably in the maintenance and improvement of critical electrical systems, including emergency lighting in high-use buildings like the campus library.

Shaun's technical skills extend beyond his primary responsibilities; he has expertly addressed complex software issues within emergency lighting systems and contributed to the installation and refinement of high-specification safety systems in collaboration with the Estates Improvement Team and external vendors.

His ability to exceed monthly productivity targets consistently, alongside his initiative in preventive maintenance, has ensured a safe and comfortable environment for campus users.

Shaun is recognised for his superb communication skills, approachability, and his commitment to going above and beyond in his service, embodying the university’s values of integrity, potential enhancement, collaboration, and inclusion.

Stephen McFarland has won the Unsung Hero Award, recognised for his exceptional role as Head of Financial Implementation in the City Deals & Special Projects Office.

Stephen's profound expertise and commitment have been instrumental in navigating complex financial landscapes, significantly contributing to the strategic execution of the City Deals initiative.

His actions include intricate financial modelling, meticulous VAT treatment, and risk management, ensuring Ulster University’s projects are both compliant and financially sound.

Stephen’s ability to build confidence among key stakeholders like the Department for the Economy and Belfast City Council has been vital in securing and managing substantial project funding.

Colleagues praise his integrity, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond, making him a truly deserving recipient of this honour.

Dr. Geraldine Horigan has won the Unsung Hero Award 2025 for her exceptional and often unheralded contributions to the University.

Working within the Nutrition Innovation Centre (NICHE) and across various faculties, Dr. Horigan has played a pivotal role in securing significant research funding, including a notable £600,000 project funded by Genomics Medicine Ireland.

Her expertise in managing ethical applications, research governance, and participant recruitment has been crucial to the university’s research success.

Additionally, Dr. Horigan has enhanced the university community through her mentorship of PhD students and her leadership in organising inclusive, community-building events.

Her dedication and ability to foster collaboration across disciplines underscore her profound impact on both the university and broader academic community, making her a deserving recipient of this award.

The Multiply Team secured a prestigious EDI award for their innovative initiatives aimed at improving numeracy and mathematical learning by addressing systemic educational barriers and promoting inclusivity.

Their efforts included securing £1 million in funding to tackle issues such as math anxiety and neurodiverse conditions like Dyscalculia.

Key projects spearheaded by the team included hosting an international conference on Dyscalculia, developing a PGCE program in Inclusive Numeracy Practice, and implementing specialized educational practices across 104 schools and 20 Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools in Northern Ireland.

Notably, they developed "I'M IN", a 4D immersive learning environment, and produced resources for Braille and British Sign Language, significantly enhancing EDI pedagogical practices.

These comprehensive interventions showcase their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students, particularly those facing the greatest challenges in mathematics.

Claire Mulrone won the Outstanding Contribution award for her instrumental role in fostering community engagement through the Social Justice Hub.

This initiative is significant in supporting survivors of domestic abuse, particularly women and children, by providing a safe and neutral space equipped with necessary resources and guidance.

Her leadership in developing robust partnerships with local charities, shelters, and support services has ensured the hub's effectiveness in delivering trauma-informed support, tailored to the survivors' unique needs.

Claire also promoted interdisciplinary collaboration within the university, bringing together faculties like law, psychology, social work, and health to offer holistic support services including legal advice clinics and psychological counselling.

Her efforts have not only empowered survivors but also significantly impacted the community by enhancing the university's role in advocating for social justice and strengthening civic partnerships.

The Market Engagement Team at the University won the Outstanding Contribution award for their dynamic and innovative approach to enhancing the university's engagement with schools and prospective students.

This team has significantly increased attendance at open days by 45% since 2019, and similarly, applications have surged, resulting in the university achieving its best enrolment numbers in nearly a decade.

Their success can be attributed to a series of strategic actions, including setting up Saturday Open Days for families, securing funding for free school transportation, and offering bespoke campus tours throughout the year to cater to individual student needs.

Additionally, they have expanded their outreach significantly in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, overcoming various logistical challenges through creative solutions like partnering with local councils for event space and parking.

The team's proactive and positive 'can do' attitude, coupled with their commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience, has not only enhanced Ulster University's market presence but also solidified its reputation as a welcoming and accessible institution.