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Harper Adams shortlisted in Specialist University and Technician of the Year categories at Times Higher Education awards

Posted Today

ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ has been shortlisted in the Specialist University of the Year and Technician of the Year categories in this year’s . 

The University was one of more than 120 assessed across the UK for the awards, which received in excess of 500 entries overall – and has picked up both a Specialist Institution of the Year shortlisting and seen Ruminant Sector Manager Kate Robinson nominated in the Outstanding Technician of the Year category. 

ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan, welcomed the news. 

He said: “As we approach our 125th birthday as an institution, and our teenage years as a university, I am delighted that Team Harper, its students, employees, governors, partners, donors, and alumni are all being recognised through being shortlisted for this award.   

“I hope everyone takes a moment to reflect on how far we have come and what a strong base we have for our future. Our relationships with industry and the relevance of our education and research to our specialist industries and to society are being recognised.” 

Meanwhile, Kate added: “I feel quite humbled to be shortlisted as THE Outstanding Technician of the Year 2025.  

“Reading the nomination my colleagues put together for me made me feel very emotional. The Future Farm is a unique and truly innovative place to work; it brings challenges and solutions to modern, sustainable, and investigative farming.  

“I am proud and delighted to be a finalist, alongside Harper Adams being shortlisted as a Specialist Institution of the Year.” 

THE editor Chris Havergal said: “At a time of unprecedented challenge for higher education, the THE Awards enter their third decade as a steady and staunch reminder of the exceptional work that continues to take place across the UK and Ireland every day, on campuses and beyond. 

“That we received well over 500 entries for this year’s awards is a sure sign that the sector’s commitment to transforming lives for the better is undimmed. We offer our sincere congratulations to all those institutions and individuals shortlisted – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage in a very competitive year. 

“At THE, we have long recognised that the sector draws so much strength from its diversity and that there is no single model of success. That’s why we are delighted to see such a wide range of providers making the shortlists, including for the new category of Specialist Institution of the Year, which honours some of our truly unsung heroes.” 

Professor Sloan added: “Specialist universities make a significant and distinctive contribution to higher education. They create genuine choices for students regarding what, where, and how to study. 

“I am delighted that specialist universities are being recognised through this new category. The institutions that have been shortlisted show the breadth, strength, and distinctiveness of our specialist institutions and my good wishes and congratulations goes to each institution that has been shortlisted.”