EDINBURGH Napier University (ENU) is up for an award at what is widely dubbed the "Oscars of higher education". 

ENU is the only Scottish entrant in the University of the Year category at the Times Higher Education Awards.  

The awards draw hundreds of entries from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland and recognise the full range of academic and professional services. 

ENU is also the first Scottish University to get a nod in the category since 2020.

The university’s submission was based around the themes of wellbeing and sustainability and included highlights such as leading research on the construction of major cities and the development of the world’s first community-based mangrove and seagrass conservation projects.

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Principal and vice-chancellor of ENU Professor Andrea Nolan said: “We are thrilled to see Edinburgh Napier named on the University of the Year shortlist.

“Wellbeing and sustainability underpin our academic strategies, our support strategies and indeed all that we do for the communities we serve. 

“The success of our entry, which describes how we have maintained our commitment, is recognition of our approach and impact.”

ENU has also been shortlisted in two other categories: outstanding marketing and communications team and ENU’s Russell Wilson is up for outstanding technician of the year. 

Nolan continued: “The 2020/21 academic year presented all universities with formidable challenges, and I am proud of the way everyone at ENU went above and beyond to deliver for our students in Edinburgh and internationally, and for our many stakeholders. 

“What is remarkable is that, in addition to navigating through the most challenging of times, the staff continued to innovate and deliver to our strategy. The university continued to grow in the broadest terms and make a difference. 

The National: Principal and vice-chancellor Professor Andrea Nolan was delighted with the nominationPrincipal and vice-chancellor Professor Andrea Nolan was delighted with the nomination

“I would like to congratulate our fellow nominees and look forward to the ceremony in November.”

The nominations follow on from several other accolades in support of work being done at ENU.

This year, they were named the number one modern university in Scotland by the 2022 Sunday Times Good University Guide.

It has also ranked first in Edinburgh for student satisfaction in the National Student Survey in each of the last three years.Â