The very best of research celebrated at glitzy ceremony

The Celebrating Excellence in Research and Impact Awards 2022 showcase highlighted how our work is having a positive impact on people’s lives across the globe.

Academics from across the university’s world-leading departments descended on the Colchester campus for the first in-person awards ceremony since the start of the pandemic.

More than 100 academics, staff and well-wishers enjoyed the ceremony which highlighted how our work is shaping thinking and influencing policy across the globe.

In total 21 awards were presented to research champions, impactful projects, and technical teams over the course of three hours.

Some of the projects recognised included research that led to the creation of an innovative new German map, a documentary about how young people coped with the coronavirus pandemic.

Other research highlighted includes a study into how accent prejudice affects people in Essex, and the world-leading the Human Rights, Big Data and Technology Project.

The awards are open to all academics, researchers and doctoral students and signal the University’s commitment to world-class research that makes a difference.

The new fellows of the Academy of Social Sciences were also revealed by Pro-Vice Chancellor Research Chris Greer, who thanked the University community for their hard work.

He said: “As the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for research, I am incredibly proud of our research community, and I am delighted to celebrate the impact and excellence of the University.

“I’d like to say a special congratulations to everyone shortlisted and the winners.

“Fittingly this celebration about what makes Essex great comes just weeks after the Research Excellence Framework or REF 2021 highlighted once again our role as a world-leading research centre.

“Part of what sets us apart as a University is our dual commitment to excellence in education and research for the benefit of individuals and communities, locally regionally, nationally and globally.

“As the world emerges from the pandemic and faces new challenges sparked by misinformation, conflict, and climate change – now more than ever the world needs authoritative, influential and trusted interdisciplinary research to help tackle these challenges.”

A full list of the winners is available online