Research & Enterprise Awards celebrates collaborative excellence

The University of Wolverhampton proudly unveiled the winners of its Research & Enterprise Awards 2025, held at University of Wolverhampton at The Halls, on Friday 12 September. The evening celebrated outstanding achievements in research, enterprise, and collaboration across the University and its partners.

The award ceremony marked the end of the Beyond Futures Research & Innovation Festival which took place from 9 to 11 September 2025. The dynamic three-day event showcased the power of collaborative research, enterprise partnerships, and creative innovation in addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges.

The award ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Amber Sandhu and brought together staff, students, alumni, and stakeholders from across the public, private, and third sectors. The awards ceremony was introduced by Ceri Jones, Director of the Research & Enterprise Directorate, and welcomed by Professor Prashant Pillai MBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research & Knowledge Exchange.  Guest speakers included Sureena Brackenridge MP and Warinder Juss MP who spoke passionately about the impact research & enterprise activity is having across the region and beyond.

Celebrating Impact and Innovation

From over 87 applications, 45 finalists were shortlisted across ten categories, showcasing the breadth and depth of research excellence at Wolverhampton. The winners demonstrated transformative impact in areas ranging from green innovation and health care to inclusive communities and public engagement.

Award Winners Include:

Exceptional Research and Enterprise Partnership
Winner: Advancing Research and Enterprise Through Global Partnerships
Led by: Professor Suresh Renukappa and Professor Subashini Suresh
Category partner: City of Wolverhampton Council

Excellence in Public Engagement
Winner: M.O.O.D – Making Outreach Outstanding through Dissemination
Led by: Professor Andy Lane
Category partner: Barclays Bank

Transformative Impact in Knowledge Exchange, Enterprise, Industry, and Innovation
Winner: From BIM to Digital Twins: Advancing Construction Innovation Through Applied Research and Industry Partnerships
Led by: Professor David Heesom supported by Dr Nigel Moore
Category partner: E-Innovation Centre

Transformative Impact in Green Innovation and Sustainability
Winner: AI-driven Green Circular Economy
Led by: Dr Kiran Gulia
Category partner: University of Wolverhampton Science Park

Transformative Impact in Health and Social Care
Winner: Centre for Applied and Inclusive Health Research – Living Well with Dementia
Led by: Dr Karan Jutlla
Category partner: Black Country Chamber of Commerce

Transformative Impact in Inclusive Communities
Winner: Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Leading Global Impact through Entrepreneurial Support and Digital Upskilling
Led by: Dr Samia Mahmood & Professor Roya Rahimi
Category partner: Blackrook Academy

Exceptional Contribution to University Culture, Community, and Environment
Winner: Professor Matthew Wyon
Category partner: Wolverhampton BID

Research Supervision
Winner: Dr David Matheson and Dr Moses Muranddu
Category partner: Nachural

Rising Star – Postgraduate
Winner: Ify Nwiwu
Category partner: Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club

Rising Star – Early Career Researcher
Winner: Dr Rahul Mourya
Category partner: Wellspring

A Night of Inspiration

The evening featured keynote speeches, networking, and a showcase of research excellence. Finalists were honoured with framed certificates, and winners were invited on stage for a group photograph to mark their achievements.

“This celebration reflects the power of collaboration and the real-world impact of our research,” said Professor Pillai. “We are proud of our community and the transformative work being done across disciplines.”

The University extends its gratitude to all event partners and attendees for making the evening a resounding success.

PHOTO CAPTION

Rising Star – Postgraduate Winner Ify Nwiwu receives her award