Sheffield Hallam shortlisted for two Times Higher Education awards

7th September 2023

Sheffield Hallam University has been shortlisted in two categories of the Times Higher Education Awards 2023.

The University has been shortlisted in the International Collaboration of the Year category for its work with the United Nations on a security platform that has been used to keep UN agency staff safe in some of the world’s most volatile environments, including the current conflict in Ukraine.

The Security Communications and Analysis Network (SCAAN) app is a world-leading security platform, used by more than 21,000 staff across four United Nations (UN) agencies working in over 175 countries to enhance staff security.

Developed in partnership by Sheffield Hallam University’s Centre of Excellence in Terrorism, Resilience, Intelligence and Organised Crime (CENTRIC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM – The UN Migration Agency), SCAAN uses innovative technology that provides real time alerts for staff on the ground and allows them to report back and signal for help if they are at personal risk.

SCAAN has been used around the world in various critical environments, including: during the World Health Organization’s response to Ebola (2017-18); to support convoy movements in Ukraine (2022); and, more recently, supporting humanitarian interventions following the Turkey-Syria earthquake and staff evacuations during the Sudan crisis (2023).

Sheffield Hallam was also shortlisted alongside the University of Sheffield in the Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team of the Year Category for their joint campaign Sheffield. Your University City.

The two universities worked alongside Sheffield City Council to develop a sector-first campaign to celebrate Sheffield as a great student city, promoting it as a destination for prospective undergraduate students. The campaign exceeded targets and has paved the way for further collaboration around student marketing.

Sheffield Hallam University Vice-Chancellor Sir Chris Husbands said:

“I’m delighted Sheffield Hallam has been recognised for its work on this hugely important international project.

“Sheffield Hallam’s vision is to be the world’s leading applied university, and this is an excellent example of applied research in action, having a positive impact on society.

“Our campaign to highlight Sheffield as a great student city is also a real success and demonstrates how we can collaborate locally to deliver impactful results.

“I want to thank every member of staff involved in these projects for their commitment to driving positive change.”

Widely recognised as the ‘Oscars of higher education’, the awards celebrate the talent, dedication and innovation of individuals and teams across all aspects of university life.

The shortlisting is the latest success at the Times Higher Education Awards. In 2022, the University received the Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community Award for its work to improve education and attainment across South Yorkshire.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in December 2023.