University News Last updated 13 June
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at 探花直播 (BCU), has been awarded an OBE in the King鈥檚 Birthday Honours List in recognition of her outstanding contribution to higher education.
Under Professor Shah鈥檚 leadership, BCU has become a national leader in emerging technologies and industry-linked education.
She has championed a bold, interdisciplinary approach to learning and research, ensuring students gain real-world skills in fast-evolving fields.
A key member of BCU鈥檚 Executive Team, Professor Shah has previously led two of the University鈥檚 major faculties - Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, and Arts, Design and Media.
Professor Shah said: 鈥淚 am deeply honoured to receive this award. It is not only a personal milestone but a testament to the collective effort of my collaborators - educators, industry mentors, and institutions who believe in the power of education to change lives.
鈥淚 share this honour with them and with every student who has overcome adversity to pursue knowledge. I鈥檇 also like to convey my heartfelt thanks to my family for their belief in me, their love and ongoing support.鈥�
Raised in inner-city 探花直播, Professor Shah (pictured) has long understood the life-changing power of education.
She holds a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Computing Science, a PhD in Computer Science, and a Cambridge University Masters in Sustainability Leadership.
She is also a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a Chartered Engineer.
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said: 鈥淲e are incredibly proud that Professor Shah has been awarded an OBE for services to higher education.
鈥淭his is a fitting recognition of her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to innovation, and dedication to widening participation.
鈥淎n inspiring and visionary colleague, Professor Shah has had a transformative impact not only at our University but across the wider sector.鈥�
A leading advocate of university鈥搃ndustry collaboration, Professor Shah has developed influential partnerships with major businesses and public sector organisations.
These collaborations have delivered work-based learning programmes that align with employer needs and give professionals access to tailored, high-impact education.
This work was pivotal in shaping national and international thinking on work-based learning and university qualifications for IT professionals.
Professor Shah also played a central role in advancing the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) agenda, promoting curricula that blend creativity, critical thinking and technical excellence.
She led the academic vision for STEAMhouse - BCU鈥檚 拢70 million centre for interdisciplinary innovation - which brings together students, academics and industry to drive new ideas, social mobility, and economic growth.
Professor Shah is also a champion of diversity and inclusion in science and engineering, and serves as a trustee of Millennium Point Trust, a STEM-focused charity.