The Student Teaching, Activities and Academic Representation Awards (STAAR Awards) celebrate the achievements of the University of Northampton staff, student volunteers and society members over the academic year. For University staff the STAAR Awards celebrate educators who demonstrate innovative teaching methods, foster inclusive learning environments, and make a lasting impact on student success, whether they excel in traditional classrooms, online platforms, or experiential learning settings.
For our students, the STAAR Awards honour the unsung heroes among us who devote their time, energy, and skills to serve others.
This year we had two winners from CADE:
Associate Professor Dr Helen Caldwell was awarded the Staff innovation in Research Award for the 50 Families Project that she co led with Dr Emel Thomas. Helen and Emel’s work has been acknowledged in the UK government’s policy paper “Our place to give” which highlights the importance of place-based, collaborative work in supporting lasting community change. Local families have been supported to make healthier food and cooking choices through a year-long initiative. 50 Families is a strategic philanthropic project, supported and funded by Northamptonshire Community Foundation on behalf of Food4Heroes, evaluated by University of Northampton, and delivered by Home-Start Northampton, Power of the Mind Networks, and The Spring Charity. You can read the full 50 Families Report.
Tejas Singh was awarded the Student Innovation in Research Award. TJ is a second-year Electronics and Computer Engineering student at the University of Northampton and a Research and Technical Assistant for CADE. He contributes to innovative projects such as the Headsets for Hope initiative, working with VR technologies, research data, and immersive content development. Alongside his academic work, he is the founder and President of the UON Robotics Society, with strong interests in AI, robotics, and emerging technologies. His valuable and generous contributions to the centre have been recognised by this prestigious award.
