The prestigious biennial prizes celebrate innovative work within UK higher and further education institutions, and are open to research groups, infrastructure and enterprise projects, and vocational and technical training programmes. Winners must be able to demonstrate the practical use of their work.
Of the 20 winners, 17 are based in universities. They include a research project on links between human activity and animal ecology by the University of Glasgow; investigations into the impact of product marketing on children’s health by the University of Stirling; and the development of new techniques for the x-ray imaging of materials critical for power by the University of Manchester.
The University of Kent was recognised for the work of its Tizard Centre, which carries out research into intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), focusing on the relationship between policy, management and practice.
Dame Julia Goodfellow, vice-chancellor of the university, said the award was “a tribute to the outstanding work of the staff and students at the Centre, and to the difference they make to the lives of people with disabilities and their families”.
Newcastle University’s research into sustainable rural economies and societies, led by its Centre for Rural Economy, also received a prize. “Our aim is to conduct world-class research that directly addresses the biggest issues of the day, and the work being carried out by the Centre for Rural Economy is an excellent example of what this means in practice,” said vice-chancellor Chris Brink.
David Willetts, the universities and science minister, offered his congratulations to the winners. “Britain’s ability to compete depends on the quality of the teaching and research undertaken by our universities and colleges, and particularly on the translation of that work into real benefits for society, business and the growth of the economy,” he said.
The 2012-14 Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education winners are:
University of the Arts, London
Industrial and product design contributing to the strength of the creative economy
University of Bedfordshire
Applied research on child sexual exploitation influencing new safeguarding policy and practice
University of Bristol
Obstetrics and neonatal practice: saving babies’ lives around the world
Cardiff University
Geoenvironmental solutions to major challenges of land, groundwater quality and regeneration
Cornwall College
Vocational training for land-based industries empowering and developing the local rural economy
Coleg Cambria
Vocational and engineering training in aircraft production and maintenance for Airbus and UK aerospace
University of Dundee
Research in human anatomy applied to forensic and victim identification worldwide
University of Edinburgh
Extending professional and academic skills in surgery through international online training at master’s level
University of Glasgow
Research on links between human activity and animal ecology, bringing international health benefits
University of Kent
Improving the quality of life for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
University of Leicester
Inter-connected research and expertise in history, heritage and archaeology, highlighted by the discovery of Richard III
Loughborough University
Research and skills development in High Value Manufacturing creating new products, processes and economic growth
University of Manchester
New techniques in x-ray imaging of materials critical for power, transport and other key industries
MidKent College
Engineering and construction training for the Army producing a major contribution to the local economy
Newcastle University
Long-term research and new strategies for the rural and social economy
Northumbria University
The Student Law Office: a distinctive contribution to legal education providing access to justice in the local community
University of Oxford
Practical and cost-effective improvements in prevention of stroke
University of Stirling
Research into the impact of product marketing on children’s health which has widely influenced international policies
Teesside University
Growing digital business start-ups by graduates and creating entrepreneurship and opportunity in the local economy
University College London
Creating the bioprocess engineering base for converting research into new medicines
