Edge Hill celebrates shortlist success in Nursing Times Awards
Edge Hill University have been nominated for 2026 Nursing Times Awards.
The recognition celebrates the University’s and Cheshire and Merseyside Training Hub collaborative approach to enhancing primary care education. The partnership transforms primary care co-production, inclusion and student-led innovation.
As part of the project, students co-developed trans health promotion posters, which are now widely available across the region, helping to improve access to inclusive health information and demonstrating the real-world impact.
Helen Lord, Senior Lecturer in Nursing at Edge Hill University, said: “The Nursing Associate team has worked closely with our practice partners, students and service users throughout this initiative.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see how learning in the classroom has translated directly into students’ assessments and clinical practice. Seeing students co-produce resources that are now being used across the region to promote inclusive healthcare demonstrates the real impact that collaboration and student-led innovation can have on both education and patient care.”
Maggi Bradley, Clinical Nurse Lead, Sefton Training Hub, said: “I have witnessed first-hand the impact these resources have had on a patient attending their first smear. It is hard to put into words the feelings of inclusivity, acceptance, trust and understanding that something as simple as a series of posters on a wall of a GP practice can create.
“Working alongside students and colleagues at Edge Hill University has meant this project has become about so much more than patient care. It has supported learning, helped reduce health inequalities and contributed to a greater equity for everyone accessing the national screening programme.
“To see this work shortlisted is incredibly meaningful, because it reflects the voices, experiences and collaboration that made it possible.”
Edge Hill University partnership awarded ‘Outstanding’ by Innovate UK
Edge Hill University’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) and The Progress Group recently received the highest possible rating from Innovate UK, achieving an ‘Outstanding’ grading in recognition of the project’s innovation, impact and successful delivery.
The prestigious grading reflects the strength of the collaboration between Edge Hill University and The Progress Group, recognising the partnership’s ability to translate academic expertise into practical innovation that delivers lasting benefits for alternative education.
Professor George Talbot, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Knowledge Exchange), said: “We are delighted with this recognition of Edge Hill’s outstanding partnership with The Progress Group. Partnership with industry and our communities is central to our connected futures, and to growing the productivity and prosperity of the North West.”
The programme is part-funded by Innovate UK and KTP brought together researchers from Edge Hill’s Department of Computer Science and a KTP Associate, with The Progress Group’s specialist knowledge of alternative education to explore how artificial intelligence could enhance virtual learning for young people unable to access mainstream education.
The award recognises Edge Hill University’s commitment to working with industry partners to deliver research with real-world impact.
Find out more about Edge Hill University’s Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP).
Edge Hill welcomes culinary icons for landmark TUCO conference
Edge Hill University recently hosted the 2026 TUCO (The University Catering Organisation) Summer Conference, bringing together 250 delegates from 70 institutions and national suppliers to the sector to explore the future of taste, trends and transformation in campus hospitality.
The four-day event provided attendees with valuable opportunities for networking, professional development and tours of Edge Hill’s state-of-the-art Ormskirk campus. The conference and exhibition were expertly hosted by broadcaster and quizmaster Paul Sinha.
The University welcomed a line-up of high-profile industry names, including renowned chef Monica Galetti and The Hotel Inspector star Alex Polizzi.
Delegates also attended informative talks from leading industry insiders, such as Mowgli street food restaurant chain owner and Edge Hill Honorary Doctor Nisha Katona, Celia Gaze, Shabnam Islam, futurist Tom Cheesewright and inspiring racing driver Nic Hamilton, who shared his experiences of entering competitive motorsport after being born with cerebral palsy.
Paul Greenwood, Head of Commercial Services at Edge Hill University, said:
“Edge Hill was proud to host this year’s 2026 TUCO Conference and welcome delegates from across the higher education sector to showcase our award-winning campus. This high-profile event provides a valuable opportunity to exchange knowledge, celebrate success and explore new ideas that will help shape the future of higher education catering and procurement.
“It has been fantastic to come together as a team to deliver an amazing event for over 450 people over four days and it has been particularly rewarding to see so many meaningful connections being made and to receive such positive feedback from attendees. We are delighted that delegates have not only benefited from an engaging programme but have also enjoyed their time at Edge Hill with the opportunity to connect with colleagues old and new.”
Alongside the conference sessions, delegates enjoyed a taste of the region with visits to Liverpool Football Club’s iconic Anfield stadium and Everton Football Club’s Hill Dickinson Stadium.
They also celebrated Edge Hill’s proximity to Liverpool with a Beatles-themed night in the Students’ Union, featuring a performance by the world’s biggest Beatles tribute act, the Bootleg Beatles.
The event culminated in a black-tie Gala Dinner where the results of the TUCO Awards were announced, bringing the curtain down on a memorable week. Following earlier success this year, including being nominated for the Graduation Hospitality Award at the U Dine Awards, Edge Hill’s Catering and Events team was also shortlisted for the TUCO 2025 “Member of the Year” award.
Adding a strong community and charitable focus to the event, a total of £5,310 was raised for Dementia UK, while conference sponsor Brakes donated surplus food items to local charities across West Lancashire and Merseyside.
August 10, 2026
