Celebrating people that create change
Celebrate the people shaping the future of universities
Universities do not transform themselves. They are transformed by people with vision, courage and determination to make things better. If you know someone whose leadership, creativity or commitment is helping redefine what universities can become, we encourage you to nominate them.
Applications are now closed.
Help us recognise the people creating the future of universities.
Every innovative and entrepreneurial university has them.
- The constructive troublemakers who identify opportunities to create impact and support others to do the same
- The boundary spanners who connect disciplines, organisations and communities
- The stubborn optimists who persist when change feels impossible
- The restless ones who quietly build new programs, partnerships, innovation ecosystems and cultures that transform their institutions
- Those who refuse to let good ideas die
They may be senior leaders, academics, professional staff, ecosystem builders or emerging leaders. Whatever their name or role, they are helping redefine what universities can become.
Now is the time to recognise them.
As part of the UIIN Future of Universities Summit 2026, we are inviting nominations for the Champions of University Impact Awards, celebrating the individuals creating lasting change across higher education.
The winners will be recognised before an international community of university leaders, policymakers, academics and innovation professionals committed to shaping the future of higher education.
We are looking for people who are doing more than simply performing their role. We seek University Champions — individuals who challenge convention, bring people together, overcome barriers and create meaningful, lasting change.
Individual Award Categories
Entrepreneurial & Innovative Changemaker
Recognising individuals who create lasting change within their institution through entrepreneurial thinking, persistence, and action.
For those who identify opportunities, mobilise people and resources, overcome barriers and transform ideas into initiatives that strengthen their university.
Partnership & Engagement Catalyst
Recognising individuals who build meaningful partnerships that create value beyond the university.
For professionals who connect universities with industry, government, entrepreneurs and communities to generate innovation, opportunity and societal impact.
Innovation Ecosystem Builder
Recognising individuals who strengthen entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems.
For those who develop incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, entrepreneurship programmes and collaborative networks that enable innovation to flourish.
Student Success Champion
Recognising educators who redefine learning for an entrepreneurial and innovation-driven world.
For academics and educators who create engaging learning experiences, experiment with new pedagogies and equip students with entrepreneurial mindsets, creativity and real-world capabilities.
Institutional Change Leader
Recognising individuals who drive strategic transformation and create the conditions for entrepreneurship and innovation to thrive.
For leaders who embed entrepreneurship, engagement and innovation into institutional strategy, governance, organisational development and culture, helping shift these from isolated initiatives to institution-wide priorities.
Next Generation Boundary Spanner
Recognising emerging professionals who are already shaping the future of entrepreneurial and engaged universities.
For early-career staff, academics, or professional leaders who connect people, ideas, and opportunities across boundaries, demonstrating initiative, collaboration, and the potential to become future leaders in university innovation and engagement.
Why nominate?
Recognise
Be recognised internationally as one of the people helping shape the future of universities.
Celebrate
Be celebrated during the UIIN Future of Universities Awards ceremony.
Inspire
Inspire others by sharing their journey and achievements with the global higher education community.
Applications are now closed.
Are you driving impact at your university? Do you know someone who is?
We are currently processing all submissions.
We encourage nominations that explain:
- The challenge or opportunity the nominee addressed.
- The initiative, leadership or contribution they made.
- The impact they have created within or beyond their institution.
- How they have influenced colleagues, students or partners.
- Why they deserve international recognition as a University Champion.
Evidence of impact is encouraged, but equally important are stories of leadership, perseverance, collaboration and the ability to inspire positive change.