Vice-Chancellor’s Diversity Awards

21 May 2020

With this year’s Unsung Heroes of Science shortlist racking up over 15,000 views since it was launched last week, we’re delighted to have made another shortlist – this time for the competition itself!

Announced today, the Vice-Chancellor’s Diversity Awards placed Hertford’s video competition in the top four shortlisted projects for the Inclusive Culture category. Professor Louise Richardson, Oxford’s Vice-Chancellor, said “the judging panel was deeply impressed by the innovative approach that Unsung Heroes of Science has taken to making science more relevant and appealing to students from diverse backgrounds.”

Launched in 2019, Unsung Heroes of Science empowers 16-18-year-olds to discover the scientific stories that they want to share by making a two-minute video. With almost 50 videos of previously unsung role models now available on the Hertford website, we’re proud to have given a platform to stories not found in the school curriculum.

Reflecting on the Diversity Awards shortlist, project coordinator Dr Kathryn Boast said “I’m delighted that Unsung Heroes of Science has been shortlisted for this award – it means a lot to have this recognition from the University. Hopefully this will continue to raise the profile of the competition so that more stories of forgotten scientists are both told and heard.”

This year’s shortlisted videos are all available on our dedicated Unsung Heroes page. With the winners announced at the end of June, you’ve still got time to contribute to the Audience Award by sharing your favourites. Last year’s winners, Kairul and Tasnia, won the opportunity to meet award-winning broadcaster and Hertford alumnus Krishnan Guru-Murthy, while this year’s will meet Fiona Bruce, another high-flying Hertford journalist.