An Edinburgh Napier University-led project evaluating an effort to reduce the number of drug-related deaths in Scotland has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony

The research into police use of overdose treatment naloxone has been highly commended by judges at the 2024 THE Awards, dubbed ‘the Oscars of higher education’, which were held in Birmingham last night.

The study had been shortlisted in the Research Project of the Year: Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences category, which was won by Bournemouth University.

Led by Dr Peter Hillen, the team behind the naloxone project was one of just six to be highly commended at the awards. They were also recognised at the 2024 Herald Higher Education Awards, where they were commended by judges of the Research Project of the Year category.

As of this month, there were 585 incidents where police officers administered the nasal spray naloxone to save a person experiencing an overdose. Police Scotland now plays a significant role in reducing the annual number of drug related deaths.

Andrea Nolan, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, said:

“This project is an outstanding example of partnership working at Edinburgh Napier that is making a difference to our communities 

“The team behind the naloxone study have shown how research can shape policy and practice to address challenges.

“This award follows a well-deserved commendation at the Herald Higher Education Awards earlier this year, and I congratulate them on this recognition.”

The naloxone research was one of two ENU entrants shortlisted at this year’s THE Awards. Dr Suha Jaradat, Associate Professor of Architectural Technology at ENU’s School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, was among the final eight in the Most Innovative Teacher of the Year category – the same prize that her SCEBE colleague, Professor Bill Buchanan, won last year.

This was the 20th anniversary of the THE Awards, which span 20 categories covering the full range of university activities. This year they attracted more than 700 entries – a new record – with 70 institutions making the final shortlists.

John Gill, THE editor, said:

“For some, anniversaries are nothing more than another number, but on the 20th birthday of the THE Awards, it seems appropriate to reflect on the incredible roller coaster that UK higher education has ridden over the past two decades. 

“Throughout that time, as tracked and highlighted by the THE Awards, higher education has managed the balancing act of both sticking to its core principles to deliver for individuals and the country, while also demonstrating its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. 

“This anniversary year brought another record number of submissions detailing, as ever, a dazzling array of achievements from institutions, teams and individuals, and demonstrating that even though times are tough, the creativity and energy in UK and Irish universities remains undiminished. 

“It is a privilege for THE to have the role it does in celebrating the sector's successes, and on the occasion of our 20th anniversary we thank everyone who entered, and look forward to championing you for years to come.” 

Collaborating with Police Scotland on Public Health Interventions 

Learn more about this research project by reading this case study or watching the video below: