Celebrating excellence. Inspiring impact.

Nominations are now open for the NHLI Awards 2026 – recognising the people who make a difference across our community.

Categories include:

  • Teacher of the Year
  • Supervisor of the Year
  • PTO of the Year
  • Mentor of the Year

Further information on the criteria for each category is available below.

You can nominate yourself or a colleague.

Please follow this link to make your nomination(s).

Deadline: 30 June 2026

Nomination Requirements and Criteria

Teacher of the Year
Purpose
Teaching is at the heart of personal and professional development and is vital to the reputation and income of NHLI. This award recognises a person who has consistently delivered teaching, fostered curiosity, and empowered students to succeed through a positive and engaging learning environment.
 
Eligibility
Nominees may teach at any level or discipline. They must have actively taught during the past academic year. Self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome.
 
Submission Requirements
Applications should include:
  • Nominee Details: Name; job title.
  • Overview (max. 100 words): A summary of the nominee’s achievements as teacher. Their involvement in the development of new courses or course material will be seen a plus, but it is not critical.
  • Evidence of Impact: Examples of how students have progressed or achieved objectives through their teaching.
  • Endorsements (if self-nominated): At least one testimonial from a student or colleague; additional endorsements from colleagues are encouraged.
Shortlisting Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
  • Commitment to student development (5 points)
  • Impact and outcomes (5 points)
  • Innovation and engagement in teaching (5 points)
  • Promotion of active learning and collaboration (5 points)
  • Inclusivity and empowerment (5 points)
Total score: 25 points
Mentor of the Year
Purpose
Mentorship is vital for fostering growth and confidence. This award recognises a mentor who has gone above and beyond to empower others, offering advice, encouragement, and opportunities that help them achieve their goals.
 
Eligibility
Nominees may be new to mentoring or experienced mentors. They must have actively mentored at least one individual during the past 12 months. Self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome.
 
Submission Requirements
Applications should include:
  • Nominee Details: Name; job title.
  • Overview (100 words): A summary of the nominee’s achievements as a mentor, including their contribution to the mentees’ career, if possible.
  • Evidence of Impact: Examples of how mentees have progressed or achieved objectives through mentoring.
  • Endorsements (if self-nominated): At least one testimonial from a mentee; additional endorsements are encouraged.
Shortlisting Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
  • Commitment to mentee development (5 points)
  • Impact and outcomes (5 points)
  • Accessibility and responsiveness (within normal working hours) (5 points)
  • Advocacy and networking (5 points)
  • Inclusivity and empowerment (5 points)
Total score: 25 points 
PTO of the Year
Purpose
Our department cannot excel without the expertise, commitment and enterprise of Professional, Technical and Operational (PTO) staff. This award recognises a staff member who has made an exceptional contribution to the functioning, culture and success of NHLI, and went above and beyond to support colleagues and enhance the learning/research environment.
 
Eligibility
Nominees may work in any professional, technical or operational role within NHLI. They must have made a demonstrable contribution during the past 12 months. Self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome.
 
Submission Requirements
Applications should include:
  • Nominee Details: Name; job title.
  • Overview (100 words): A summary of the nominee’s achievements and their contribution to their team, wider NHLI operations and the student or staff experience, if relevant.
  • Evidence of Impact: Examples of improvements, innovations, problem‑solving, service excellence or operational enhancements achieved by the nominee.
  • Endorsements (if self-nominated): At least one testimonial from a colleague, student or stakeholder. Further endorsements are encouraged.
Shortlisting Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
  • Contribution to university operations (5 points)
  • Impact on staff and/or student experience (5 points)
  • Innovation, efficiency or improvement (5 points)
  • Collaboration and service excellence (5 points)
  • Inclusivity and empowerment (5 points)
Total score: 25 points
Supervisor of the Year
Purpose
Supervision is a cornerstone of academic success. This award recognises a supervisor who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to empower their students, offering guidance, encouragement, and opportunities that enable them to achieve their goals and develop as independent researchers.
 
Eligibility
Nominees must have supervised BSc, MSc, or PhD students during the past academic year. Both self-nominations and nominations by others are welcome.
 
Submission Requirements
Applications should include:
  • Nominee Details: Name; job title.
  • Overview (100 words): A summary of the nominee’s achievements as a supervisor and their contribution to student development and research excellence.
  • Evidence of Impact: Examples of how students have progressed academically or professionally as result of their supervision.
  • Endorsements (if self-nominated): At least one testimonial from a student supervised by the nominee; additional endorsements from colleagues (e.g. co-supervisors) are encouraged.
Shortlisting Criteria
Applications will be assessed on:
  • Commitment to student development (5 points)
  • Impact and outcomes (5 points)
  • Accessibility and responsiveness (5 points)
  • Advocacy and networking (5 points)
  • Inclusivity and empowerment (5 points)
Total score: 25 points