I AM BCU Awards

Inspirational Student of the Year (4 winners)

This award recognises a student who has thrown themselves into all aspects of University life. They've taken the year in their stride, engaging in learning, connecting with lecturers, peers and beyond, and taking pride in their work and community. They will have made an impact on those around them - whether it's encouraging and supporting others with their work, creating opportunities through meet-ups or society events, or coming up with solutions and ideas for any problems. This award will recognise an Inspirational Student of the Year from each Faculty.

Inspirational Teacher of the Year (4 winners)

This award recognises BCU’s very best teachers; the kind of people who think differently and create opportunity. These are the teachers that inspire you with their passion for their subject, and challenge you to improve and develop your skills along the way. Whether through creative teaching, inclusive content, or new opportunities to grow through placements or industry events, these teachers ensure everyone in the BCU community can thrive. This award will recognise an Inspirational Teacher of the Year from each Faculty.

Community Hero of the Year – Staff and Student (2 winners)

This is a person making a difference in their community – whether that’s to the BCU community or in the local area. They are an integral part of their community, helping to make positive change and transform lives. This could be as part of a local or global initiative, pushing forward environmental sustainability, or working for a local or national charity. Above all, they’re always supportive and encouraging – whether to those around them, on their course, in their student society or group, or further afield.

Entrepreneur of the Year – Staff and Student (2 winners)

This award recognises budding and seasoned entrepreneurs, who are making waves in the business world or supporting others to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. They may have a business idea that they are determined to bring it to life or have an established business that is having an impact on the community. This person could be championing the University’s STEAM agenda (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), creating opportunity by identifying gaps in the market, working on groundbreaking products or services to develop their business venture and make it a success.

Personal Tutor of the Year

If your confidence is faltering and you need someone to help you believe in yourself, or something goes wrong and you’re not sure where to turn – that’s when your Personal Tutor will be on hand to help. Your tutor might have helped involve you in the BCU community, identified opportunities to help you achieve your goals, or gone above and beyond to support you. They’ll help you through a tough time with a friendly face and sound advice about your course, future career and all aspects of University life.

Researcher of the Year

The best researchers are those who think differently and change the way that we see the world, encouraging us to tackle challenges in new ways. Our Researcher of the Year may have had papers published in journals, authored chapters or entire books, given talks at conferences, been featured in media outlets or made successful funding bids. They may also be early-career researchers, aiming to share their findings soon. Above all, they will have made an impact on understanding and practice in their sector, producing exceptional work that will benefit staff, students and society in general, while raising the profile of the University.

Research Supervisor of the Year

Our Research Supervisors are the beating heart of our research community, supporting and motivating research students, guiding and challenging where needed. Whether they are new to research supervision or already have extensive experience, this staff member is a good listener, sets expectations early and thinks differently. They may have changed a student’s perspective or inspired them to push through a challenge. They’re an honest but friendly face, offering constructive criticism and a helping hand whenever needed.

Student Representative of the Year

Our student representatives are the all-important link between the University’s students and staff. Friendly and approachable, they provide advice and support to their fellow students, build community and connections across the University, advocate for change and work with staff to implement improvements. The winner of this award could be a Course Rep, School Rep, or a BCUSU Executive Officer.

The Sir Lenny Henry Inclusivity Award – Staff and Student (2 winners)

This is the person who has done the most to move forward some aspect of equality, diversity or inclusivity, whether it’s within our multicultural BCU community or more widely in the city of Birmingham. Whether it’s through campaigning, bringing people together or creating opportunities for everyone, this person will be a role model who works hard to make sure people of all backgrounds are included in the conversation.

Team of the Year

This award recognises some of the great teams working across the University – groups of staff and students bringing together their individual skills and knowledge, to organise events, run projects and to make a positive difference to life at BCU. These are the teams that have worked together to offer new opportunities, champion the University community, and go above and beyond to support those around them.

Technician of the Year

This award recognises the vital role our technical support staff play in teaching and learning, as well as research across the University. This staff member uses their technical expertise and practical skills to ensure the smooth-running of our courses, enabling students to achieve their potential and learn hands-on skills relevant to industry. They will have made a positive impact on University activities, thinking differently about challenges, understanding and incorporating technological advancements, and be turning concepts into reality and theory into practice.

Unsung Staff Hero of the Year

This award recognises all the essential staff who keep the University’s cogs turning. Whether they work in one of our faculties or a Professional Services department – such as the Students’ Union, Finance, Research, Innovation, Enterprise, Employability, HR, Library and Learning Resources, Estates and Facilities, IT, Legal Services, Student and Academic Services, Security, International Office or Marketing and Communications – this person is always championing the BCU community and creating opportunities for others. They build connections and help deliver the University’s strategy on a day-to-day basis, going above and beyond to ensure the University delivers the best possible service to the BCU community.