These broad University-wide categories reflect the diverse individual talents and collective contribution across a rich breadth of roles and talent and acknowledge our values at work.
From outstanding individuals and teams to the innovators, from the unsung heroes to the rising stars amongst us - every contribution makes an impact within our university and beyond, including the contribution of highly skilled technicians to active learning, research and so many aspects of University and campus life.
Quote
"In our commitment to being a good workplace, and a sustainable and responsible organisation, it's important that we listen to those experiences that make all the difference, value that contribution in all its many shapes and forms and recognise it across a range of roles and disciplines, promoting best practice and inspiring others within our staff community, sharing ideas and acting upon them.It’s also very much part of us working towards a culture where staff feel that they can contribute to the University’s future by celebrating those who help to shape it."
Nomination Guidance
Please review the following guidance before proceeding to make a nomination.
2026 Ulster Excellence Awards Categories
These awards recognise an individual and a team who surpassed the expectations of the University, its staff or students during the past year by going the extra mile –overcoming obstacles or problems to achieve outstanding success while demonstrating a positive attitude, demonstrating the university values, using strong judgment, and utilising good communication skills.
This award celebrates exceptional people management and leadership over the past year. It recognises a manager who has consistently demonstrated Ulster University’s values and embodied the BRAVE attributes: Bold, Resilient, Authentic, Versatile, and Empowering. This individual has gone above and beyond to create an inclusive, and supportive team culture.
1 individual award.
This award recognises an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the University but whose contribution and role often goes unrecognised. They show dedication and commitment to their role and make a genuine difference to others.
This award will go to someone who has been within the University for less than 3 years, but in that time has really made an impact. This might be through supporting colleagues, displaying excellent student support/service, or innovating for the benefit of staff and or students.
1 team or individual award.
This award is for an individual or a team who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing the University's sustainability agenda demonstrating understanding, innovation and influence in the area of sustainability/sustainable development activity or practices within the workplace.
1 team or individual award.
This award is for teams or individuals who embrace the principles of Ulster University's approach to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion by promoting a work environment that is collaborative, understanding and of mutual respect.
This award recognises a technical member of staff who clearly demonstrates pride and passion within the University. They will have made an impactful contribution to the university and students learning through participation in teaching and demonstration, research participation and supporting students. They strive to promote and advance the technician profession, promoting excellence and actively demonstrating the University Values.
Judging Process
There will be a 2-stage judging process, all judging criterion and process will be made clear at the application submission point.
Stage 1: All nominations will go through this stage
- Panel: membership will be from within ODPD
- Ambition: to shortlist the award applications for each category to between 3 to 5 finalists
- Shortlisting process: Evidence of the judging criterion being demonstrated in the application assessed through the key on marking sheet
- Shortlisted nominations will be determined by a panel consensus mark following individual assessment and discussion. Nominees with the highest numerical values will be shortlisted. Where there is a tie, the panel will revisit the marking to review allocations, where no agreement can be reached to adjust the scoring all nominations with the same score will go through to the next judging stage.
Stage 2: All shortlisted finalists will go through this stage
- Panel: Senior Leaders from across the Organisation
- Judging process: Evidence of the judging criterion being demonstrated in the application assessed through the key within the marking sheet
- Winners will be determined by the highest numerical value awarded form the combination of the panel members scores. Where there is a tie, the panel will revisit the marking to review allocations, where no agreement can be reached to adjust the scoring, the award will be given as a joint winners.
