Winners Announced at UEA’s 2026 Innovation and Impact Awards ceremony
By: Katie Wyatt-Hupton
UEA’s vibrant culture of innovation and collaboration was celebrated at the 2026 Innovation and Impact Awards, held on Wednesday 20 May at The Enterprise Centre.
The evening brought together guests from across academia, industry and the wider community, with the 300-seat lecture theatre nearly at full capacity. Attendees were welcomed into a festive and inspiring atmosphere, with sunny weather allowing guests to network on the building’s roof terrace.
An exhibition of shortlisted projects was showcased throughout The Enterprise Centre, providing guests with an opportunity to explore the breadth and depth of pioneering work taking place at UEA. The displays highlighted ground-breaking research and innovative ideas developed by UEA staff, students and graduates, underlining the University’s commitment to delivering real-world impact.
Dr Nicola Hancock opened the proceedings, welcoming guests and reflecting on the importance of fostering innovation across the East of England. Dr Hancock emphasised the value of strong partnerships in driving progress, noting how collaboration between the University and its external partners continues to unlock new opportunities and create tangible benefits for society.
The ceremony was hosted by Professor Julian Blow, who guided the audience through an evening celebrating excellence and creativity. Guest presenters from some of UEA’s key partner organisations also took to the stage, reinforcing the crucial role of collaboration in supporting innovation and translating ideas into meaningful outcomes.
A highlight of the evening was a speech from UEA Chancellor Dame Jenny Abramsky. Drawing on her distinguished career at the BBC, Dame Abramsky shared personal insights on innovation and pushing boundaries, as well as reflections on her time at UEA, before presenting the ‘Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement’.
Dame Abramsky said: “The Innovation and Impact Awards celebrate what we do at our very best: using creativity, research and expertise to make a meaningful difference in the world. I am inspired by the breadth of talent across UEA’s community, and by the determination of our staff, students and graduates to ensure that their work reaches far beyond our campus.
“This year’s ‘Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement’ recognises impact of an exceptional scale, depth and humanity. I was delighted to present this Award to Professor Eylem Atakav (School of Media, Language and Communications) for her remarkable project, ‘Documentary Storytelling and Driving Change: Using Film to Change Policy, Training and Awareness’.
“Through her powerful films Prof Atakav has shown how storytelling can challenge injustice, influence policy and place survivors’ voices at the heart of change. Her work has had profound national impact – shaping legislation, informing government strategy, improving frontline training and strengthening support for those affected by domestic abuse.
“This is driven by compassion and courage, grounded in collaboration with communities, practitioners and policymakers. It exemplifies UEA’s values and our commitment to social justice, creativity and real-world impact.
“I extend my warmest congratulations to Prof Atakav and to all of this year’s Innovation and Impact Award winners and finalists. This work reminds us why universities matter – not only as places of knowledge, but as forces for positive and lasting change.”
The Innovation and Impact Awards recognise outstanding achievements that demonstrate how research and ideas can be transformed into solutions that address global challenges, support economic growth, and enrich communities. The 2026 event once again showcased UEA’s strength as a hub for forward-thinking research and enterprise.
The entry period for the Innovation and Impact Awards 2027 will open in autumn. Those interested in taking part are invited to contact uea.innovation@uea.ac.uk to be keep updated.
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