VC Awards 2026
News
Celebrating the BSU community at the Vice-Chancellor's Awards 2026
Friday, 15 May, 2026Every year, BSU celebrates its amazing community of students, staff and external partners, with the Vice-Chancellors Awards at Newton Park.
In partnership with the Students' Union, the Vice-Chancellor’s awards celebrate individuals and teams who contribute to BSU’s ethos and values. Nominations began in the new year, with everyone at BSU able to get involved.
Hosting the awards ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Georgina Andrews returned for her second year, alongside 2025/26 SU President Joe Wilson. Opening the ceremony and welcoming attendees, and those watching on the livestream, Georgina Andrews said;
“Thank you to everyone for joining us today and all those watching online in Bath, London or around the world! This evening, we reflect on our academic year and celebrate our community and all that we have achieved.
During the ceremony, as you listen to the stories of our staff, students, alumni and partners, you’ll hear time and time again examples of what an incredibly ‘Professionally Creative’ University BSU truly is.”
Following up with some of the university’s achievements, the room reflected on the monumental year BSU has had. Some highlights include:
- We were named as the highest rising University in the 2026 Guardian League Table, and we also improved in all areas of the National Student Survey
- We were name as the second most sustainable university in the UK by People and Planet
- Our adult skills provision was recognised as outstanding by Ofsted
- We opened our second site in London with our friends at BSU Canary Wharf
Then, the presentation of awards began. Georgina and Joe introduced each award, listed the finalists, and then followed with the written nomination of the winner. Each winner made their way to the stage to shake Georgina's hand and were then presented this year’s award – an exclusive print involving BSU staff based at Locksbrook!
The making of the award
Joe Byerley, 3rd year BA Photography student at BSU, was commissioned to produce a limited-edition print for this year’s Vice Chancellor Award. His work explores a variety of themes about the human condition through playful performance, and black and white imagery. The photo idea came to Joe in a rather unconventional way, he describes;
“I wanted to think of something that’s playful that people do as a group. The human pyramid just sprung to my mind in a dream and I was like yes, that’s it. It’s ridiculous but also endearing in a way that it can show that it’s hard work.”
He also shares his love for the BSU community, especially at Locksbrook,
“From the moment I walk through the door here at Locksbrook and the minute I leave, I've got a big smile on my face…the fact that you can't walk more than 5 feet in this building and not have a conversation with someone is something that's really nice, you know, when you're in a bit of a rut. I always make my way down here. It's become a real fixture in my life. And I'm definitely going to miss it after this year. It's an incredible place with people that always have felt so connected.”
Student Success
First up were the outstanding achievements of BSU students. From 'Academic Achievement’ and 'Community Champion of the Year' to group and student of the year, the marquee erupted in applause to praise the wonderful contributions of the student finalists and winners.
Among the winners, Safe T Pin society won the ‘Student Group of the Year’ award, praised for their “vital support for queer, trans, and gender non-conforming individuals, especially in challenging times.”
Reflecting on their win, they said;
“Receiving this award just after our first birthday as an activist group felt so rewarding. The awards ceremony was full of so much warmth and support, and the recognition of the title ‘student group of the year’ has brought important visibility to the trans+ community here in Bath. Amongst the celebration and honour of receiving this award, it feels crucial to acknowledge why we started our group. It feels important to preface that Safe T Pin was established in response to the Supreme Court Ruling in 2025. Receiving this award served as a powerful reminder that trans rights are human rights, and trans joy is resistance.”
Another standout award was the ‘Global Impact Award’, an award provided to a student who has brought their global experience to BSU for the benefit of the wider BSU community. This year, we had two winners, Daianne Angelica T. Moreno and Anna Melesyk.
Anna Melesyk, commended on her work to inspire and share Ukrainian culture, reflected on her achievement;
“When I realised I had not only been nominated but selected as a winner, I genuinely gasped! I felt deeply grateful to the person who took the time to nominate me, and to everyone who believed in my achievements. Being recognised in this way made me feel truly seen and proud of the impact I’ve worked to create since joining the university last September. Having my efforts acknowledged by the Vice-Chancellor in just my first year of study means more to me than I can express!”
Staff Success
The University staff also had their time in the spotlight with Colleague, Manager, Supervisor and Lecturer of the year, as well as 'Outstanding support' and the 'University Executive Board Recognition Award'.
‘Colleague of the Year’ is awarded to a member of staff who has enhanced a culture of respect, engagement and integrity through their enjoyment of work and their promotion of friendliness and collegiality. This year, Ayesha Chawdhry Manek, Equalities Project Officer, took home the award.
Ayesha was praised for her “enthusiasm, joy, thoughtfulness, and care into her role.”
“I’m still in shock – truly honoured and grateful to have been named Colleague of the Year. Being nominated alongside such inspiring colleagues meant so much, and this award reflects the incredible BSU community we are part of. It was a wonderful reminder of the impactful work we do together really makes a difference.”
As the evening of celebrations came to an end, Georgina and Joe concluded the ceremony by congratulating all the finalists and winners, and extending thanks to “all the people working front of house here, but also behind the scenes teams, who have worked so hard to put on what has been a wonderful evening.” The attendees extended their gratitude with a round of applause to Campus Life, Conferencing and Events, Catering, Communications and Brand Development, the VC Awards Team, and the technical support team, among many more.
Congratulations to all of the 2026 winners!