Nominations and applications for the 2021 Vice-Chancellor’s Social Impact Awards are now open to staff and students at the University of Oxford. The awards aim to celebrate staff and students’ achievements and commitment to positive social change during their time as University members.
The awards were set up in 2010 by former Vice-Chancellor Andrew Hamilton, with a mission of showcasing and recognising the commitment of Oxford students to volunteering, charity fundraising, campaigning, or carrying out research on social and environmental issues. Previous awardees have been recognised for their commitment to social change in the areas of volunteering, social enterprise and campaigns.
For the first time, the awards will be open to University staff who are “equally deserving of recognition for their contributions to the city and global community”. This year’s awards will emphasize the importance of working together as a University community and highlight the social action of students and staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A spokesperson for Oxford Hub told Cherwell: “This past year has demonstrated why social action is essential. People from all walks of life have come together to support one another, and our Oxford Hub members have been delivering food parcels, collecting books for those shielding and offering friendly phone calls. Despite being apart in our households, we came together.”
They added: “Those who’ve made a difference deserve recognition for their achievements. Whether their contributions have been related to the pandemic, or elsewhere in the fields of research, volunteering, or campaigning, we hope that these Awards encourage students and staff to continue building relationships and looking after their neighbours going forward. Playing a role in the community, striving for global change and investing time with others should become the new normal!”
Students and staff who wish to apply can do so by June 10th via an application form on Oxford Hub’s website. A nomination form is also open until June 3rd for University members to nominate those who have made a positive social impact.
Image Credit: Long Road Photography / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
