Finalists announced for UEA's Innovation and Impact Awards 2026
By: RIN
A record number of entries were submitted for this year’s Innovation and Impact Awards, and following a highly competitive judging process, finalists have now been selected across seven categories.
The Awards celebrate staff, students and graduates, and the outstanding ideas, partnerships and research transforming lives locally, nationally and globally. The exceptional standard of submissions reflects the creativity, ambition and real‑world impact that define UEA’s innovation community.
Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Wednesday 20 May, where invited guests from across industry, academia and the wider community will celebrate the achievements of UEA staff, students and partners.
Attendance is by invitation only, but those interested in joining the waiting list can contact uea.innovation@uea.ac.uk.
Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement – winner announced
The 2026 Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement is awarded to:
Prof Eylem Atakav (School of Media, Language and Communication Studies) for her project Domestic Abuse: Using Film to Change Policy, Training and Awareness.
Prof Atakav’s influential body of work – Growing Up Married, Lifeline and Left Behind – has had significant national impact, shaping legislation, informing government strategy, enhancing frontline training, and amplifying the voices of survivors of domestic abuse. Her films have contributed to the Marriage and Civil Partnerships (Minimum Age) Act 2022, supported the 2025 Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, and strengthened support pathways for practitioners working with those affected by abuse.
This survivor‑centred work exemplifies a commitment to creativity, compassion and social justice.
Congratulations to all the finalists.
Learn more about the Innovation and Impact Awards or get in touch at uea.innovation@uea.ac.uk.
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