National recognition for Heriot-Watt’s impact in education

Heriot-Watt University has been shortlisted in four categories at the Herald Education Awards 2025 recognising its innovative approach to teaching, research, and community engagement. The nominations highlight the University’s real-world impact and commitment to shaping a better future through excellence and innovation.

The nominations highlight the University’s real-world impact and commitment to shaping a better future through excellence and innovation.

From cutting-edge quantum communications to inclusive research practices and creative STEM outreach, each shortlisted project demonstrates Heriot-Watt’s commitment to shaping a better, fairer and more sustainable future.

Driving innovation

Shortlisted for Outstanding Business Engagement, Heriot-Watt’s GRID ecosystem connects researchers, students, and industry to tackle real-world challenges. From supporting start-ups to hosting the Converge programme, GRID is a hub for innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic impact.

Championing inclusion

In the Research Project of the Year category, Professor Jemina Napier’s work on Justisigns2 and SILENT HARM is transforming how Deaf women access support services. The projects have produced bilingual resources and training tools that are improving service accessibility across the UK.

Inspiring young changemakers

Engineering the Future, shortlisted for Partnership with Schools, pairs primary pupils with university teams to solve sustainability challenges. Led by Dr Alex Maclaren, the project culminates in a hands-on science fair that brings STEM learning to life for young minds.

Communicating discovery

Heriot-Watt’s campaign on quantum internet research has been recognised for Best PR and Marketing Campaign. Through compelling storytelling, the campaign showcased breakthrough science to audiences across media and policy.

These nominations reflect Heriot-Watt’s mission to shape a fairer, more sustainable world through innovation, inclusion and global engagement. Winners will be announced on 29 May.