Watercolour background with the words: The University of Liverpool Alumni Awards 2026

2026 Alumni Awards

We are innovators. We are originators. We are alumni.

The Alumni Awards 2026 are now closed for nominations, nominations will open again towards the end of the year.

DWF Law Rising Star Award

Nominations are currently open for the DWF Law Rising Star Award, a supplementary award to the 2026 Alumni Awards, until Tuesday 1 September at 5pm (GMT).

Find out more about the DWF Law Rising Star Award.

About the Alumni Awards

The University of Liverpool Alumni Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of our global alumni community. 

From pioneering discoveries to creative innovation and community leadership, our graduates make a lasting impact on society, embodying the University’s values of integrity, ambition and social responsibility. 

Each year, we recognise up to 20 outstanding alumni whose work exemplifies these values and showcases the diverse impact of the Liverpool community around the world. 

For 2026, we’re proud to introduce five themed award categories, recognising the contribution our alumni make across disciplines and industries. 

We’re also particularly keen to highlight the success of our recent graduates (within the last ten years) whose early achievements are already making an impact across all award categories.

Back to: Alumni

 

2026 Award Categories

Each category will celebrate alumni who have demonstrated excellence, innovation, and positive impact in either their field of work or in a voluntary capacity.

Click each category for more information.

Sustainability and Environment Award

This category recognises alumni leading the way in creating a more sustainable and equitable planet. It includes work in environmental research, policy, innovation or community projects that promote sustainability, conservation and climate action.

Examples: 

  • An engineer developing low-carbon infrastructure or renewable technology 
  • A policymaker championing environmental justice 
  • A social entrepreneur creating sustainable solutions for local communities
Sciences and Engineering Award

This category celebrates innovation and leadership in science, technology and engineering. It honours those driving transformation through research, invention or practical application in disciplines that advance knowledge and improve lives.

Examples: 

  • A scientist making breakthroughs in medical or environmental research 
  • A data analyst or technologist solving real-world problems through innovation 
  • An engineer contributing to infrastructure or design that benefits society.
Health and Well-Being Award

This category recognises alumni making outstanding contributions to physical, mental or public health and community well-being. It is open to those improving lives through healthcare, research, advocacy or education.

Examples: 

  • A clinician advancing equitable access to care 
  • A mental health advocate leading awareness campaigns 
  • A public health professional developing impactful policy or outreach programmes.
Culture, Creativity and Sport Award

Honours alumni who enrich lives through the arts, culture, heritage, media or sport. This category celebrates creative expression, cultural leadership, and athletic excellence that foster connection, inspiration and pride.

Examples: 

  • A musician, writer or filmmaker contributing to cultural dialogue 
  • A museum curator or educator promoting heritage and inclusion 
  • An athlete, coach or sports professional inspiring others through achievement and community engagement.
Enterprise and Innovation Award

This category celebrates entrepreneurial thinking and transformative leadership. It recognises alumni who turn ideas into impact through innovation, business acumen or social enterprise, driving positive change in their fields and communities.

Examples: 

  • A founder of a start-up delivering technological or social innovation 
  • A business leader driving sustainable growth and mentoring others 
  • An innovator creating solutions to global or local challenges.

 

Eligibility

To be eligible, nominees must adhere to the following guidelines: 

  • Alumni can self-nominate or nominate another graduate for an award. 
  • Anyone can nominate one of our alumni, including current students, current and former colleagues, family and friends, and alumni of the University. 
  • Alumni must hold a valid degree from the University of Liverpool, including qualifications awarded through our Liverpool, Leahurst or former London campuses, as well as XJTLU, Singapore and our online programmes.
  • Each nomination must be for one award category only (the judging panel reserves the right to reassign to a different category if more appropriate). 
  • You may nominate more than one alumnus across different categories. 
  • Alumni who have previously won an Alumni Award are not eligible in subsequent years in any category. 
  • The University of Liverpool’s Development and Alumni Relations team (DART) and the judging panel reserve the right to make a final decision on any individual’s eligibility for the awards. 

We are particularly keen to recognise the achievements of recent graduates (defined as those who completed their studies within the last ten years) across all award categories. 

View the Terms & Conditions for the 2026 Alumni Awards nominations.