Edinburgh Napier University has been named the top higher education institution in Scotland at the sector’s premier awards.

ENU was awarded the main prize, Higher Educational Institution of the Year, at the Herald Higher Education Awards in Glasgow last night.

The win was four accolades for the University, following two category awards and one commended project:

• Higher Educational Institution of the Year – ENU
• Widening Access Award – ENU for the Hub for Success
• Outstanding Contribution from a University Student – ENU’s Shalu Madan for her dedication to cybersecurity and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion in the industry.
• Research Project of the Year – ENU for the carriage of naloxone by police officers to address drug-related deaths in Scotland (Commended)
  Edinburgh Napier was also shortlisted across seven different categories in total.

It is the first time ENU has claimed the main prize at the awards, with judges noting that the University’s projects and people “represent so much of what is worth celebrating about Higher Education in Scotland”.

Professor Andrea Nolan, Principal and Vice Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said:

“I am incredibly proud of this achievement. Winning the prestigious institutional award is a recognition of the outstanding work of the Edinburgh Napier community.

“The accolade is confirmation of a thriving University delivering for and shaping our communities near and far.”

“I would like to pay tribute to all of our wonderful nominees and winners – in particular the Hub for Success for its work with care-experienced students.

“Following our fabulous REF results and continued strong performance in the National Student Survey, this all speaks to the wider story of Edinburgh Napier and how we continue to develop and grow.”

Award winners

The win for the Hub for Success, which is hosted by Edinburgh Napier University, comes just a few weeks after the service celebrated its fifth birthday.

The project was established to address low rates of higher education admission and retention for people who have spent time in care and has since provided one-to-one support for hundreds of care experienced learners.

Its winning entry was described as “a well-structured and ambitious collaboration”.

Shalu Madan was praised by judges in the student category for standing out in the way she is helping fellow students – both those who are currently studying and those who might come after her.The Hub for Success team collecting their Herald award

Her success is the latest in a series of major cybersecurity accomplishments for the University. Last year ENU was recognised by the National Cyber Security Centre for its contribution to the sector.

Judges praised Shalu is clearly an excellent individual student, but she really stood out because of the way in which she is helping fellow students

The commended research around police officers carrying naloxone has drawn widespread recognition since it was published.

The Herald Higher Education Awards

Described as the most prestigious accolades in the Scottish sector’s calendar, the ceremony was held at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow last night.

This was the ninth time the awards, celebrating excellence in colleges and universities across the country, have been handed out.

They highlight innovation in teaching and explore how colleges and universities market themselves, support students, and engage with employers, as well as recognising those amazing students who make a significant contribution to student life as well as academia.

A panel of expert judges, including Herald Education Writer, James MacEnaney: Kathryn O’Loan, Director of QAA; Isabelle Bristow, Managing Director, Studiosity and Jason Miles-Campbell, Managing Director, Jisc, had to work their way through 120 submissions in order to come up with the final shortlists.

Last night’s ceremony, which was hosted by comedian Fred MacAulay, included 60 shortlisted entries from 23 different establishments.