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Her Majesty The Queen has approved the award of The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes to twenty-one higher and further education institutions, including Oxford University, in the most recent round of the independently reviewed scheme. This prestigious award is the highest national honour available to universities and FE colleges across the UK.

The Prize-winners are universities and colleges who have been recognised for ground-breaking work and pioneering research in a wide range of disciplines including science, engineering, education, the humanities, the environment and medicine. 

Among those honoured was Oxford University whose efforts delivered vitally important design and creation of a COVID-19 vaccine. This work was notably completed at an unprecedented speed and helped reduce loss of life worldwide from coronavirus.

In a period where COVID-19 and climate change have become the most prominent issues of our time, the final list of Prize-winners reflects the strong contribution of universities and colleges in these areas. 

Patrick Grant, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) Oxford University said, 'Oxford tackled COVID-19 using all of our capabilities to understand and fight the pandemic. We worked across all disciplines, departments and teams to develop vaccines, to repurpose drugs, to support the prediction of future outbreaks, to inform public health and to develop diagnostic tools.'

He added, 'This prestigious award is a testament to the dedication, resilience and commitment of Oxford University’s research students and research staff at all career stages. We can all be proud of our efforts and achievements during a very difficult time.’

Read the full story on the University of Oxford website.