EECS projects shortlisted for prestigious QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025
Two groundbreaking projects led by staff from Queen Mary’s School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science have been shortlisted for the highly competitive QS Reimagine Education Awards 2025, known globally as the “Oscars of Education.”
Out of more than 1,600 submissions, both initiatives ranked in the top 20% worldwide, showcasing EECS’s leadership in educational innovation and impact.
Fresher to Thriver (F2T): Cultivating Belonging and Growth in Engineering Education
The Fresher to Thriver (F2T) programme is shortlisted for the Nurturing Wellbeing & Purpose Award. Launched in September 2024, F2T is designed to support engineering students throughout their academic journey by nurturing confidence, resilience, belonging, and academic purpose through a holistic programme of structured, joyful, and socially connected learning experiences.
F2T brings together a range of initiatives tailored to students’ diverse needs:
- Festive Engineering – hands-on activities that connect circuit-building and electronics with global festivals, creating fun, low-stress learning that boosts students’ engagement, wellbeing, and sense of belonging.
- Purpose-Driven Learning - Interactive workshops that guide students in exploring their identity, values, and academic direction, while fostering soft skills and encouraging reflective personal and academic growth.
- Co-creation and mentoring – students help design and lead activities, fostering a sense of ownership and authenticity, alongside peer mentoring from senior students.
The programme is led by Professor Yue Chen, Kok Ho Huen, and Professor Michael Chai, with contributions from staff across EECS and the Queen Mary Academy. Together, they are fostering a model of support that blends academic growth with cultural connection and wellbeing. Feedback shows that students feel more empowered, confident, and ready to thrive in their studies and beyond.
Professor Yue Chen, Professor of Telecommunications Engineering, said:
“Being shortlisted at QS Reimagine recognises the impact of innovative, joyful, and student-centred support programmes like F2T. We’re proud to be shaping models that help students thrive in the age of AI and global complexity.”
Students can join F2T activities as participants or peer mentors, while staff and alumni are welcome to contribute to workshops, Festive Engineering events, and mentoring. Details about F2T and upcoming activities are available on QMPlus.
Breaking Barriers in STEM: Making Inclusion and Diversity Count
The second shortlisted project, Breaking Barriers in STEM: Making Inclusion and Diversity Count, is recognised in the Access, Diversity & Inclusion Award category. Initiated by members of the Centre for Academic Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CAISE), this Faculty-wide project is led by Dr Marie-Luce Bourguet and Dr Atm Alam (EECS), Dr Tippu Sheriff (SPCS), and Dr Rehan Shah (SEMS).
CAISE tackles long-standing barriers to participation in STEM education through a three-pillar approach:
- Evidence-based interventions – including cultural immersion in disciplinary language and integrating diverse role models into teaching.
- Educator transformation – training and resources that empower staff to adopt inclusive practices.
- Participatory pedagogy – engaging students as co-creators of learning and curriculum design.
These interventions are embedded across Queen Mary’s provision, spanning both UK campuses and transnational education in China. The project has already improved student experiences, with survey data and feedback showing greater confidence, engagement, and belonging. By fostering inclusive practices at scale, CAISE is helping to build a more diverse and representative STEM workforce.
Dr Marie-Luce Bourguet, Senior Lecturer in Computer Science said:
“CAISE’s shortlisting reflects our commitment to embedding inclusion and diversity at the heart of STEM education. By making every student feel represented, we’re contributing to a stronger, fairer, and more innovative future.”
Colleagues and partners can learn more via Queen Mary University of London’s CAISE webpage (or contact the project leads). Students, educators, and institutions are invited to engage in workshops, resources, and collaborative projects.
Global Recognition
The QS Reimagine Education Awards are highly competitive, with only a small percentage of projects worldwide achieving recognition. Both F2T and CAISE’s initiatives have placed Queen Mary among global leaders in reimagining higher education.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in London on 1–3 December 2025. Regardless of the outcome, these shortlists highlight Queen Mary’s commitment to innovation, inclusion, and student success.
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