The Inclusive Impact Awards 2026
What are the Inclusive Impact awards?
Since 2022, the Inclusive Impact awards have been York's celebration of ideas and transformation in action. They are designed not just to recognise achievement but to inspire others to drive progress in their own communities.
From ground-breaking research that challenges inequity, to teaching practices that unlock potential in every student. From partnerships that extend beyond our university community, to everyday acts of allyship that reshape our values. Our inclusive impact awards illuminate our people and projects that are actively dismantling barriers and expanding possibilities. They demonstrate how anyone at the University can help to build a community without limits, where everyone can flourish.
In 2022, the inaugural awards launched the EDI Exchange; our ongoing conversation about the University we're building together. Now, each year, we gather not just to celebrate one another but to inspire one another to transform, through the ambitious, essential work of creating an institution where public good has inclusion at its heart.
2026 award categories
This year, we've built our awards categories around the University strategy. Think about how you or your colleagues have ensured inclusion remains at the forefront as we implement our strategic aims. Read through the categories, then find out how to make a nomination below.
Curiosity-driven research and action-oriented research
Where curiosity meets action
Uniting researchers across every discipline to tackle the most pressing intellectual, social and environmental challenges of our time. Open to knowledge exchange and enterprise initiatives that take research beyond the University to benefit an inclusive society, the economy and the environment.
Education that empowers
Inspiring the young leaders of tomorrow
Inspiring learners to become critical thinkers, equipping them with the skills, compassion and confidence to lead throughout their lives. Open to work that enhances the student experience and widens access, supporting social mobility and helping every student to belong and succeed.
Civic engagement and regional partnership
Bold ideas, stronger communities
Using bold innovation and strong regional partnerships to act as a driving force for cultural heritage, social inclusion and local economic growth. Open to advocacy, community engagement and activity that serves the public good in our region.
Global partnerships and impact
Shared purpose beyond borders.
Fostering collaboration across borders to extend the reach of our research and teaching for the global public good. Open to projects and work that enable diverse experiences for staff and students, no matter where they’re located.
What connects us: people, place and purpose
Every voice is valued.
Building an environment where every individual is valued, collaboration is the norm, and our collective work creates an impact that lasts. Open to work that makes our places more inclusive, welcoming and environmentally sustainable.
As we mark 20 years of Athena Swan at York, we particularly welcome nominations which reflect its principles of advancing gender equality with representation, progression and success for all.
Securing financial resilience
Protecting our future, together.
Ensuring we can continue to support our inclusive community and purpose for generations to come. Through enterprise initiatives, income generation and efficiency, including more sustainable ways of working.
Fundraising campaign of the year
Generosity that changes lives.
Celebrating the campaign that inspired generosity and turned it into lasting change. This award recognises the individuals or teams whose fundraising has mobilised supporters, whether alumni, partners, donors or our own community, to open doors for students, has powered ground-breaking research, or strengthened the University’s future.
2026 Awards Ceremony
This year's event will be held on Wednesday 2 December, from 6pm until 10.30pm.
Join us at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall for an evening celebrating the staff and students whose inclusive ideas, energy and generosity are bringing our Strategy to life and turning ambition into action.
Take a look at our highlight reel from 2025 to see what you can expect.
How to join us
If you would like to attend, complete the expression of interest form by 5pm on Monday 9 November to request a place.
How to nominate
Read the guidelines for each category.
To nominate an individual, team or group, complete the nomination form by 5pm on Wednesday 11 November.
If you have any queries, get in touch by emailing jayne.blizzard@york.ac.uk.