Double win for LJMU at prestigious Times Higher Education Awards 2025

Liverpool John Moores University is celebrating after being announced the winners of two awards at the Times Higher Education Awards (THE) 2025. 

Two awards for LJMU:

• Business School of the Year: Liverpool Business School

• Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year: Roma Education Aspiration Project at LJMU

LJMU was also shortlisted in the Outstanding Contribution to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for its Diversity and Inclusion Funded Projects scheme. The winners of the 21 categories were announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh, attended by representatives from universities across the UK and Ireland. LJMU was one of only two universities who took home more than one award on the night. 

The Times Higher Education Awards are considered one of the most prestigious events in the sector, so being shortlisted for three awards and winning two is an outstanding accomplishment.  

Vice Chancellor, Professor Mark Power 

Vice Chancellor, Professor Mark Power continued:

“Our Liverpool Business School is transforming lives, driving social and economic change locally and globally by combining academic excellence with real-world impact. To have the school recognised is a testament to our vision of ‘shaping a better future.’ 

“Winning the Outreach initiative of the Year is at the very heart of what our university is about – breaking down barriers, ensuring fair access to higher education for underrepresented groups, and making a real difference. 

“I’m immensely proud that LJMU has been recognised for these awards and would like to thank the staff, students and partners who are behind the success of both award wins. Congratulations!” 

Liverpool Business School of the Year 

Liverpool Business School (LBS) was recognised on the night for its outstanding impact on business and society. Guided by its vision of ‘shaping a better future,’ LBS blends teaching, research and partnerships to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits locally and globally.  Over the past academic year, the LBS Business Clinic supported 82 organisations, generating £1.7m in consultancy value and providing students with 50,000 hours of hands-on project work. Initiatives for under-represented groups and free summer schools have also opened pathways to education and employment. From NHS leadership development to global partnerships in Vietnam and Malaysia, LBS is setting new standards in innovation and place leadership. 

Outreach Initiative of the Year: Roma Education Aspiration Project 

LJMU’s Widening Participation/Outreach Initiative of the Year was awarded for the Roma Education Aspiration Project. The project’s aim is to celebrate Roma identity and raise educational aspirations among one of the UK’s most underserved communities. Backed by government funding, LJMU became the first North West university to sign the GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge, building a holistic support network through schools, councils and community groups. Initiatives included hosting a GTRSB celebration event, forming a working group, and engaging local schools, leading to multiple pledge signings. Partnerships with national Roma organisations and a fivefold increase in GTRSB students highlight LJMU’s leadership in inclusion, offering a model for other institutions. 

Chris Havergal, Times Higher Education editor said:   

“It is fair to say that our higher education sectors have not always been in particularly celebratory mood over the past 12 months, and that the headwinds facing universities feel fiercer than ever.  

“It has been heartening, therefore, to see interest in the THE Awards remaining so strong, with more than 500 entries submitted, and to see the wealth of creativity and endeavour filling our shortlists.  

The winning entries stand as a reminder that university staff continue to excel across teaching, research and professional services, day in, day out. 

“This consistently high performance can often go overlooked amid a challenging environment in which institutions’ licence to operate is questioned seemingly daily – making it all the more important to salute such achievements.  

“We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all those who made the shortlists – and, of course, to our winners.”  

The Times Higher Education Awards celebrate excellence and innovation across UK and Irish universities. Established in 2005, they are considered ‘the Oscars of Higher Education’ and one of the most prestigious events in the sector. 

You can view all the winners of this year’s Times Higher Education Awards 2025 on the THE website.