Thu, 6 Sep 2012
The University of East Anglia has been highlighted for its excellence in entrepreneurship in the Times Higher Education Awards.
It is one of six universities to be shortlisted for a prestigious ‘Entrepreneurial University of the Year’ award.
The accolade recognises universities that have embedded entrepreneurial activity into the fabric of their institution.
The shortlisting process saw a panel of judges look for examples of how entrepreneurship is promoted at UEA – across the university’s culture, its students, and staff. They also looked for proof of impact – at regional, national and international levels.
High levels of student entrepreneurship - from taking part in national competitions to establishing their own successful businesses - attracted attention from the judging panel.
Meanwhile the university has invested £2 million in schemes to boost student enterprise and career prospects for both students and graduates.
It has also developed a strong enterprise and innovation vision with its partners on the Norwich Research Park that have led to substantial investment by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Research staff at the university have also shown their entrepreneurial mettle through a range of successful spinout companies. Examples include Intelligent Fingerprinting which has recently secured a £2 million investment to take its product - a hand-held fingerprint drug testing device - to the global market.
Plans to build a £15 million Norwich Research Park (NRP) Enterprise Centre on campus helped secure a place on the prestigious shortlist.
Vice Chancellor Prof Edward Acton said: “I am delighted that UEA has been recognised for its entrepreneurship – which is at the heart of what we do. We aim to foster a vibrant enterprising culture right across the institution – from cutting edge research and spin-out companies to student engagement.
Prof David Richardson, pro-vice-chancellor with responsibility for research, enterprise and engagement, said: “This is fantastic news for the university, our staff and students. We have made great efforts to incentivise enterprise initiatives by creating an environment which nurtures entrepreneurship. I am proud that we have been recognised for our significant achievements across the university.”
The prestigious Times Higher Education Awards are in their eighth year and represent an opportunity to celebrate the excellence and amazing achievements of higher education institutions across the UK. The award winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London on November 29.
The accolade recognises universities that have embedded entrepreneurial activity into the fabric of their institution.
The shortlisting process saw a panel of judges look for examples of how entrepreneurship is promoted at UEA – across the university’s culture, its students, and staff. They also looked for proof of impact – at regional, national and international levels.
High levels of student entrepreneurship - from taking part in national competitions to establishing their own successful businesses - attracted attention from the judging panel.
Meanwhile the university has invested £2 million in schemes to boost student enterprise and career prospects for both students and graduates.
It has also developed a strong enterprise and innovation vision with its partners on the Norwich Research Park that have led to substantial investment by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS).
Research staff at the university have also shown their entrepreneurial mettle through a range of successful spinout companies. Examples include Intelligent Fingerprinting which has recently secured a £2 million investment to take its product - a hand-held fingerprint drug testing device - to the global market.
Plans to build a £15 million Norwich Research Park (NRP) Enterprise Centre on campus helped secure a place on the prestigious shortlist.
Vice Chancellor Prof Edward Acton said: “I am delighted that UEA has been recognised for its entrepreneurship – which is at the heart of what we do. We aim to foster a vibrant enterprising culture right across the institution – from cutting edge research and spin-out companies to student engagement.
Prof David Richardson, pro-vice-chancellor with responsibility for research, enterprise and engagement, said: “This is fantastic news for the university, our staff and students. We have made great efforts to incentivise enterprise initiatives by creating an environment which nurtures entrepreneurship. I am proud that we have been recognised for our significant achievements across the university.”
The prestigious Times Higher Education Awards are in their eighth year and represent an opportunity to celebrate the excellence and amazing achievements of higher education institutions across the UK. The award winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London on November 29.
