Described as the ‘Oscars of higher education’, the publication’s annual awards ceremony aims to recognise success in “all aspects of university activity – from academic achievement to front-line staff through all levels of leadership and management”.

Dr Suha Jaradat, Associate Professor of Architectural Technology at ENU’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment (SCEBE), is among the eight-strong shortlist for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year. It is the same prize that her SCEBE colleague, Professor Bill Buchanan, won last year (pictured).

ENU is also up for the Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences award, for research into the use of naloxone by police officers to address drug-related deaths in Scotland.

Organisers of the 2024 THE Awards received more than 700 entries – a record high – and have selected 120 finalists from 70 different institutions across the UK and Ireland.

The winners will be announced on 28 November at a ceremony in Birmingham’s International Convention Centre, as a finale to this year’s THE Campus Live UK&IE event.

John Gill, THE’s editor, said: “In 2024, it’s fair to say that higher education is going through a challenging period, but these awards are a constant reminder that we should never underestimate the drive and dedication of those who work in our universities to transform lives for the better.

“Enthusiasm for these awards as a way to showcase those achievements remains undimmed, with more entries in our 20th year than ever before.

“Our sincere congratulations to all those shortlisted in such a competitive year – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage.”

Most Innovative Teacher of the Year

Suha Jaradat has revolutionised academic practices through her innovative teaching and leadership in curriculum development.

By pioneering the UK’s first work-based learning Graduate Apprenticeship programme in Architectural Technology, she has bridged the gap between academia and industry.

The programme has enhanced employability and attracted a diverse student body, with over 30% female students. Additionally, her organisation of exceptional international study trips has broadened students’ global perspectives and industry connections. Both students and employers have described these trips to Dubai, Egypt, China and Ghana as “life-changing and career-defining”.

Dr Jaradat’s efforts in accrediting the Architectural Technology programmes by professional bodies such as CABE, CIAT and CIOB have made the Architectural Technology programme the largest recruiter in the UK. Her commitment to promoting diversity in construction has inspired many previously marginalised people to pursue careers in this field, solidifying her influence on both academia and industry.

Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Led by Peter Hillen, Nadine Dougall, and Inga Heyman, this pilot project tested the use of the overdose treatment naloxone by police officers in Scotland.

The total number of drug-related deaths (DRDs) in Scotland has increased substantially over the past 20 years. Although police officers are potentially well placed to provide emergency first aid for overdose sufferers, there was no precedent for this in the UK or evidence to suggest it was feasible or acceptable.

Police records indicate that all recipients of naloxone administration during the pilot survived these overdose events and no adverse effects were reported. 16,600 police officers now carry naloxone as part of their standard kit, and Scotland is the only country where every officer is trained and equipped at the point of recruitment.

As of 4 March 2024, there were 452 incidents where police officers administered naloxone to save a person experiencing an overdose, and Police Scotland now plays a significant role in reducing the annual DRDs in Scotland.

The team behind this project was recognised at the 2024 Herald Higher Education Awards (pictured), where it was commended by judges of the Research Project of the Year category.