Delivering Excellence Award

WINNER – Dr Conor McCormick

School of Law

Conor consistently goes 'above and beyond' and delivers excellence, both in his capacity as a lecturer and his commitment to other activities and committees throughout the wider University. 2018-19 was Conor's first year in post and throughout the period he was a constant source of encouragement and support for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. As well as the active role he plays in the Staff LGBT+ Network (PRISM), Conor is passionate about 'Lawyers with Pride' and is Co-Director of the annual high profile lecture that takes place at the University during Belfast Pride Week. 2019 was the third year in which Conor organised this sell-out event.

Community Impact Award

WINNER – Centre for Community Archaeology

School of Natural and Built Environment

The Centre for Community Archaeology (CCA) undertakes outreach activities with local communities across Northern Ireland, facilitating the involvement of local people – of all ages, backgrounds and abilities – in the study of the heritage in their area. The CCA has been at the forefront in the development of community-based archaeological projects, leading their development, funding and delivery through a range of partnerships with a network of public, voluntary and community-based organisations. During 2019, the CCA directly engaged with over 7,000 members of the public, including school children who participated on excavations and workshops, adult volunteers who took part in archaeological fieldwork, and members of the public who attended lectures, site tours, festivals, and open evenings.

Innovation Award

WINNER – Canvas Roll Out Team

Academic and Student Affairs

During the year, this Team implemented the critical Phase 3 stage of Canvas, the new VLE, which involved the rollout of over 2,012 modules to 3,380 staff and 23,939 students. The Team has created a model for managing institutional change which serves as an example to others. Their approach has focused on being inclusive, collaborative and available. They have developed a number of innovative, engaging and effective ways of working, including developing a strong collaboration ethos underpinned by the introduction of supporting systems and practices. They have also delivered high staff engagement through adopting an innovative and agile approach to training and support for staff.

Team of the Year Award

WINNERS – KTP Team

Research and Enterprise

Queen's is number one in the UK for its participation in the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Programme and this year became the first university to achieve a portfolio of 50 live KTPs. The KTP Team has played a key role in that success by supporting academic and professional services staff to manage and deliver a portfolio worth £5.2m per year. The team leads KTP activity, influencing KTP policy development and supporting the Northern Ireland business community in generating jobs and increasing profits. In the last year, the team has generated 30 high quality, fully salaried graduate jobs many of which will develop the business leaders of the future.

Outstanding Leadership Award

WINNER – Matt Birch

School of Nursing and Midwifery

Matt is the School's E-Learning Developer and his enthusiasm for digital learning has inspired his colleagues to think differently about the education they deliver. His passion for supporting colleagues and enhancing the student experience is motivating and infectious. Matt has led a range of new initiatives including Canvas, e-portfolios, formative assessment, lecture capture, module evaluation and virtual reality related simulation – all of which is significantly changing the perception and direction of technology implementation within the School. He has led digital learning sessions for colleagues with varying degrees of IT literacy. His leadership has reinvigorated a sense of discovery and play, which has supported the Canvas implementation process.

Lifetime Achievement Award

WINNER – Christopher Preshaw

School of Biological Sciences

Christopher has worked at Queen's for over 38 years, beginning his career as a Trainee Technician in the Department of Botany. Over the years, Chris has seen many changes in Schools, Faculties, Colleagues and his own position. Through his own hard work and determination he completed his third level educational qualifications and traineeship and in 2008 was appointed Chief Technician in what is now known as the School of Biological Sciences. In addition to his job, he also played a pivotal role in the development of the new Building in Chlorine Gardens and in the last year has went over and above to complete the Project.

Queen's University Belfast

Award Winners 2019