University of the West of Scotland (UWS) has been shortlisted for two highly coveted Times Higher Education (THE) Awards.

Viewed as the ‘Oscars of the higher education world’, THE have recognised UWS with nominations in two categories; Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year, and Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year.

A leader in creating educational opportunities for all, the Widening Participation or Outreach Initiative of the Year nomination focuses on the UWS Foundation Academy; a pioneering initiative that seeks to raise attainment and provide school-leavers from diverse backgrounds with skills for learning, life and work. Going beyond contextualised admissions, the pilot year of the UWS Foundation Academy has allowed hundreds of participating pupils free access to an extensive programme of higher educational transitional support, embedding aspiration into their educational journey.

The unique 12-month programme includes a 10-week module delivered by UWS academics in the school setting, together with a dynamic range of on-campus activities. 97% of those participating in the first year of the programme were awarded a credit-bearing qualification, enhancing not just their educational success but, in many cases, delivering improved self-esteem and self-belief to the participants.

For the Knowledge Exchange/Initiative of the Year category, we have been recognised for our work with FIDO Tech to develop game-changing artificial intelligence that accurately detects the exact location of water leaks in underground pipes.

This internationally impactful Knowledge Transfer Partnership project represents an industry first and is revolutionising existing practices. It is preventing billions of litres of water being lost from pipeline networks globally, tackling climate change and addressing United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 6, 9, 11 and 17.

Deployed worldwide, the technology is having tangible impact. One example includes helping to secure the water supply – and lifting the severe water restrictions for the first time in 20 years – on Murray Island, Australia.

The winners will be revealed at an in-person ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday, November 28.