The University of Nottingham has been shortlisted as Times Higher Education’s University of the Year.

Affectionately known as the Oscars of UK Higher Education, THE Awards are designed to showcase why and how institutions continue to prosper.

The University has also been shortlisted for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts – celebrating the pioneering work that is taking place in Higher Education institutions to promote the arts.

For the University of the Year submission, achievements in a year that started with a devastating fire demonstrated resilience, resolve and vision. With the GSK Carbon-Neutral Laboratory for Sustainable Chemistry now risen from the ashes and the £150m fundraising campaign behind it having reached its goal a year early, there is much to celebrate.

The award nomination highlighted that the University had recently celebrated milestones globally – with both the 15th anniversary of the University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus and the 10th anniversary of the University of Nottingham Ningbo China – and locally with our 250,000th graduate.

Developments in Widening Participation also showed the University’s efforts in improving accessibility for all. Our partnership with IntoUniversity saw three Nottingham Potential Learning Centres open. This, in partnership with primary, secondary, and summer school programmes, provided more than 79,000 contact opportunities to prepare young people for Higher Education.

In research funding, it was Nottingham’s most successful year ever, with grants worth £186m.

The scope of the University’s economic impact was also highlighted. The £1.1bn a year the University contributes to the UK economy cements its place as one of the East Midlands’ most significant institutions.

Vice-Chancellor of The University of Nottingham, Professor Sir David Greenaway said: “I’m delighted we have been shortlisted for THE’s University of the Year and for Excellence and Innovation in the Arts.

“This national recognition is testament to the hard work and dedication of staff across our campuses in the UK, China and Malaysia. Despite setbacks like the GSK fire, we continue to be at the engine room of the local economy and we are committed to our global vision, to lead world-class research and enhance teaching and learning of those around us.”

A judging visit is planned for early September before the winners are announced at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, on Thursday 24 November.