Seven projects from across Gardens, Libraries and Museums were yesterday recognised with the publication of Oxford University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2026 shortlist.
The Vice-Chancellor’s Awards recognise achievements and celebrate successes across the collegiate university, from academics and researchers to professional, technical and support staff. This year, out of 170 award entries across 13 categories, projects from the Ashmolean Museum, Bodleian Libraries, Museum of Natural History and GLAM Divisional Office have been shortlisted.
The winners and highly commended nominees will be announced at a special ceremony hosted by the Vice Chancellor at the new Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities on Thursday 4 June.
GLAM shortlisted projects are as follows:
- Teaching Learning and Assessment Award
Encountering evolution at the Museum of Natural History
Bringing molecular evolutionary biology to life for Biochemistry students through object-based learning in the Oxford University Museum of Natural History
Museum of Natural History
- Support for Students Award
Radcliffe Science Library wellbeing programme
Through a dedicated wellbeing room, collaboration, and varied activities, a programme which enhances student inclusivity, belonging, reduces stress and encourages wellbeing.
Bodleian Radcliffe Science Library
Researcher-led action to strengthen Oxford’s research environments
Innovation, diplomacy and peer leadership as a researcher representative, enabling advancements in researcher inclusion and career development across the University.
Dr Courtney Nimura, Ashmolean Museum
- Local Community Engagement Award
Iffley Academy Partnership
A programme of high-quality cultural education opportunities for young people with complex special needs at the Iffley Academy school.
Gardens, Libraries and Museums
Natural Science and Heritage Scheme
A structured museum-based work experience programme that supports young people to develop and share their passion for the science of the natural world.
Museum of Natural History
Shedding Light
A permanent museum installation exploring the intertwined histories of British colonialism and ceramics, promoting community engagement with African and Caribbean communities.
Ashmolean Museum
- Supporting our Mission Award
Transforming Audience Engagement Across GLAM
Introducing a shared CRM system to streamline operations, grow audiences and support better engagement across Oxford’s gardens, libraries and museums.
Gardens, Libraries and Museums
At the Vice-Chancellor’s Awards 2025, GLAM won four awards, with a fifth project highly commended. The continued breadth of projects demonstrates GLAM’s wide-ranging work and sector-leading expertise.
