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Helen Turner

@helenturnermi.bsky.social
748 followers 1.1K following 80 posts

Championing the research and innovation strengths of the Midlands as Director of Midlands Innovation - a collaboration between eight universities (Aston, Birmingham, Cranfield, Keele, Leicester, Loughborough, Nottingham & Warwick).

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Reposted by Helen Turner
The Conversation UK @uk.theconversation.com · 16/04/2026
One of the biggest myths of creativity is that constraints limit our imagination.
tcnv.link
Taskmaster returns: five lessons in creativity from TV’s most absurd challenges
One of the biggest myths of creativity is that constraints limit our imagination.
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
🗞️ Our April newsletter is out now. This month: 🚀 A New Era of Commercialisation report launched 🌱 Director’s Diary: ‘springing’ forward research commercialisation 🏆 ERA wins Best Thought Leadership award for HyDEX 👉 Read it here: buff.ly/FEyAZrF
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
🗞️ Our March newsletter is out now. Top stories this month include: 🌍 UK Global R&D Investment Summit announced 🤝 MI joins Social Value Commission 🔬 MI Flow Conference success 📈 Invest in UK University R&D Campaign Annual Report impacts 👉 Read it here: buff.ly/WGxXwFB
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Reposted by Helen Turner
hdrukmidlands.bsky.social @hdrukmidlands.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
🔎 Working on a health data project in the Midlands? 📍 Help us build a shared, searchable picture of the region’s research landscape 📊 Add your project to the HDR UK Midlands map and showcase your work to the community 🔗 Register yours today: www.hdrmidlands.org.uk/projects/
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Reposted by Helen Turner
UK Reproducibility Network @ukrepro.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
The UKRN Conference 2026 is open for registration! Join us in Manchester, 8–9 July, for keynotes from Stian Westlake & Charlotte Pennington, sessions from UKRN groups, and contributions from the community. Early Bird fees close 15 May. Register: www.conference.ukrn.org
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Our second MI Extracellular Vesicles (EV) conference is one month today, the 16th April at the University of Nottingham. Use the link to sign up to attend and learn more about exciting research and facilities within the Midlands, plus presentation and sponsorship opportunities. luma.com/ft7ywefg
luma.com
Midlands Innovation Extracellular Vesicles Conference 2026 · Luma
Want to learn about extracellular vesicles? Want to see what’s new in the field? Want to find out about research and facilities within the MI…
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Regional growth hindered by R&D data shortfalls, MPs warn. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-p...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Regional growth hindered by R&D data shortfalls, MPs warn - Research Professional News
Science committee says UK is “flying blind”, with lack of regional data limiting innovation
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Female tech leaders slam Elon Musk at Royal Society event. www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-c...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Female tech leaders slam Elon Musk at Royal Society event - Research Professional News
Former Twitter executive and leading computer scientist lament Musk’s impact on social media
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Richard Jones @richardaljones.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
For more than a decade, there’s been a cross-party consensus behind increasing the UK govt’s R&D spending to drive economic growth - & there’s been a substantial real terms increase in the science budget. But the economic growth hasn’t arrived, yet. What happens if it doesn’t?
UK government R&D spending in real terms
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
This week on Wonkhe: Ahead of this week's Digifest, Michael Webb and Rebecca Flook confront the complex values systems behind general purpose AI technology
buff.ly
The choices universities and colleges make about AI are political
Ahead of this week's Digifest, Michael Webb and Rebecca Flook confront the complex values systems behind general purpose AI technology
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Helen Turner @helenturnermi.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
I have done a lot of driving round England lately and I have to say that I finding the volumes of litter along motorway verges utterly depressing
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Margot Finn @eicathomefinn.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
A university Vice Chancellor able and willing to articulate a significant part of what universities do and who/what they are for. If we want to address the university crisis, we need much more like this. 1/2
inews.co.uk
I run a university - we're so much more than 'degree factories', here's what we do
Access to higher education, made possible through student loans, is the difference between opportunity and exclusion
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Reposted by Helen Turner
UK Research and Innovation @ukri.org · 11/03/2026
Interested in the Future Leaders Fellowship Scheme? Join our upcoming webinars to learn more about the scheme, application process and what support is available. 24 March: webinar for host organisations 26 March: webinar for applicants Register via the ‘additional information’ section ⬇️
ukri.org
Future Leaders Fellowships: round 11
Funding to support ambitious research and innovation across UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)’s remit. You must be a researcher or innovator who is looking to establish or transition to independence.
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Reposted by Helen Turner
University of Surrey @uniofsurrey.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
AI that knows when to ask for help – and doesn't always ask the same person. Our researchers have developed a system that shares complex cancer cases fairly across pathology teams, reducing burnout risk. www.surrey.ac.uk/news/optimis... #SurreyShapes #CancerResearch
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Loughborough Open Research Team @lboroor.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Next week's line-up - and still time to sign-up! www.midlandsinnovation.org.uk/orw @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social #OpenResearchWeek #OpenResearch #ORW2026 #ReseachCulture
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Willem van Schaik @wvschaik.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
'‘I wish I could push ChatGPT off a cliff’: professors scramble to save critical thinking in an age of AI' www.theguardian.com/technology/n...
theguardian.com
‘I wish I could push ChatGPT off a cliff’: professors scramble to save critical thinking in an age of AI
As AI has upended the way students learn, academics worry about the future of the humanities - and society at large
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Helen Turner @helenturnermi.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
Fantastic that University of Birmingham is hosting one of these national donuts resources
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
✅ OPPORTUNITY ALERT - We're looking for the 10 best #energy-related Doctoral researchers from our partnership to present their #research at the UK Energy Expo. Apply now buff.ly/bCtp6BL Read more about the expo buff.ly/owd4e3u
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Reposted by Helen Turner
The Royal Society @royalsociety.org · 23/02/2026
The Science Teaching Survey 2026, led by @rsc.org and supported by the Royal Society, is open. If you work in education, you know the challenges better than anyone – so we want to hear directly from you. Take 15 minutes to complete the survey: schoolzone.questionpro.com/rc25f8?custo...
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Loughborough Open Research Team @lboroor.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
The line-up looks fab! www.midlandsinnovation.org.uk/orw @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social #OpenResearchWeek #OpenResearch #ORW2026 #ReseachCulture
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Chemistry World @chemistryworld.com · 21/02/2026
Want to be in with a chance of becoming Chemistry World's science writer intern? Don't miss the chance to work with the team on everything from interviews and pitches, to helping put the magazine together before it goes to print. Apply before 22 February.
rsc.wd103.myworkdayjobs.com
Chemistry World Science Writer Intern
Circa: Salary - Salary Plan, 24,071.00 GBP Annual We are seeking an intern to work as a science writer for our flagship publication, Chemistry World. This is a paid, full-time role, lasting for eight…
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Significant job this one. A chance to shape tech to work for the public interest. Director General for Emerging Technology and Artificial Intelligence at the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. (£174k) www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi...
Director General for Emerging
Technology and
Artificial Intelligence
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 22nd
March 2026
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
Apply at advertiser's site
Reference number
450276
Salary
£174,000
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Join us at the MI Electron Microscopy (EM) Conference 2026, 21 April, University of Warwick, for a day of cutting‑edge insights, expert talks, and community collaboration. Register now to secure your place - www.warwick.ac.uk/research/rtp/em/info/miem-2026/
warwick.ac.uk
MI EM Conference 2026 University of Warwick
MI EM Conference 2026 Midlands Innovation Electron Microscopy University of Warwick Registration
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
Bucket theory is unglamorous but very important. @ersatzben.com is forensic here - a must read for those interested in UK research policy www.ersatzben.com/p/the-bucket...
ersatzben.com
The Bucket Stops Here
UKRI’s new funding framework takes a stab at classifying budgets – but doesn’t yet govern research
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Helen Turner @helenturnermi.bsky.social · 14/02/2026
@jamesnaish.bsky.social three burst tyres due to potholes in Normanton on Soar. This is causing so much disruption Nottingham County Council need to make some repairs
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Latest drop in UK student visa applications ‘deeply concerning’. There were 19,800 applications last month—a 31 per cent decrease on January 2025, when there were 28,700. It is the fourth month in a row that monthly visa applications have been at a four year low.
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
🗞️ Our February newsletter is out now. This month: 🔓 Open Research Week returns this March 🔬 AI Researcher Development Network launches ⚡ ERA leads national energy security discussions 📈 UKRI report spotlights Midlands Mindforge & Forging Ahead Read it here 👉 buff.ly/GSZeIhh
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Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
📢 Open Research Week is coming... 16–20 March 📍Online Packed with keynotes, panels and case studies, this year’s event is bigger than ever, offering valuable sessions for the whole research community and those who support it. 👉 Programme & bookings: buff.ly/JCANngY
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Reposted by Helen Turner
I-REACCH @i-reacch.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
📢 New deadline! Submit abstracts for 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁: 𝗥𝗮𝗰𝗲, 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 & 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 📍 University of Leicester 📅 Friday 24 April 2026 ⏱ Deadline: 30 January 2026 ireacch.le.ac.uk/disrupting-t...
ireacch.le.ac.uk
Disrupting the Default – IREACCH
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
We welcome UKRI's ‘Deepening university-investor links' review. The report highlights two initiatives we've established to scale the commercialisation of #research and attract greater investment into the #Midlands. Read our full response: buff.ly/J173oqj Read the report: buff.ly/nBhTwEB
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Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 07/02/2026
This week on Wonkhe: Tony Hickson's review into university-investor links is out and James Coe finds much to like on how culture, capital, and coordination can fuel the economy
buff.ly
The Hickson review on university-investor links makes the case for commercialisation as a team sport
Tony Hickson's review into university-investor links is out and James Coe finds much to like on how culture, capital, and coordination can fuel the economy
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Join our MI Technicians & Trusted Research workshop: 🗓️ 3 Feb, ⏰ 10:30–1:30,📍Aston Uni. Explore Trusted Research, share challenges, gain insight & connect with sector leaders. Lunch + travel bursary available. Sign up (MI unis only): luma.com/b1uizbt9
luma.com
Midlands Innovation Technicians and Trusted Research workshop · Luma
Join us for our first Midlands Innovation Technicians and Trusted Research workshop - 3.2.26, 1030-130pm, Aston University Technicians are at the heart of…
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
🗞️ Our January newsletter is out. This month: 🖋️ Director’s Diary — scaling commercialisation, skills & delivery 🗣️ Forging innovation led growth — insights from Westminster 🩺 MI Health — a review of 2025 & look ahead 🧪 Going with the Flow — inspiring future scientists Read it here: buff.ly/myJom5a
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Reposted by Helen Turner
City-REDI @city-redi.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
🚀 New Research Alert! Our latest publication explores how innovation intermediaries can bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world impact. Read the full report - ow.ly/nMPW50XKSKX
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Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 05/01/2026
Great job for a social science research leader: Executive Director for Data Infrastructure and Skills at ESRC @ukri.org - overseeing ESRC's data investments. £94k - £110k. fa-evzn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/Candid...
fa-evzn-saasfaukgovprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com
Executive Director for Data Infrastructure and Skills
Executive Director for Data Infrastructure and Skills | Band X | Open Ended
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Reposted by Helen Turner
The Royal Society @royalsociety.org · 05/01/2026
Are you a researcher with an interest in human-focused biomedical technologies? Register now to join our Science+ meeting in London on 3-4 February 2026. Apply to present your poster at the meeting now: royalsociety.org/science-events-and…
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
📅 SAVE THE DATE | 16-20 March 2026 📢 Open Research Week returns! MI, with new partners, will host a week‑long event celebrating open research. Expect inspiring sessions on how open research drives engagement, innovation and impact across the region and beyond. More to follow in the New Year...
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Hetan Shah @hetanshah.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
The Council for Science & Technology which advises the PM is looking for a new member ‘with social & behavioural science expertise’. Great opportunity to bring a social science perspective to the heart of policymaking. Apply by 19 Jan apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk/roles/9075
apply-for-public-appointment.service.gov.uk
Appointment details – Council for Science and Technology Member – Apply for a public appointment – GOV.UK
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
NEW on Wonkhe: Was 2025 the year that industrial strategy became central to the higher education agenda, or is everyone just gesturing at it more? Michael Salmon weighs it up buff.ly/s3LOaOJ
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Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Intro to Flow Cytometry - free virtual training for staff and students at MI Universities. Designed for those new to flow, this interactive group session will be delivered by experienced flow cytometrists, which includes a live practical demonstration. 13th January.
tickettailor.com
Select tickets – Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Group - Introduction to Flow Cytometry Course Jan 2026 – MS TEAMS
Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Group - Introduction to Flow Cytometry Course Jan 2026 – MS TEAMS, Tue 13 Jan 2026 - Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Group - Introduction to Flow Cytometry Course...
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
📢 The MI December newsletter is out now! This month: 🏆 HyDEX wins Knowledge Exchange Award 🤝 @helenturnermi.bsky.social reflects on a year of impact 📊 Ecosystem platform user guide resources launched 🥇 A place-based industrial strategy can deliver gold Read it here 👉 buff.ly/B3fnUcT
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Research Professional News @resprofnews.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
BREAKING: Four major publishers agree deals with UK university sector Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis and Wiley meet “sector-agreed thresholds” in long-running talks Free to read www.researchprofessionalnews.com/rr-news-uk-o...
researchprofessionalnews.com
Four major publishers agree deals with UK university sector - Research Professional News
Elsevier, Springer Nature, Taylor & Francis and Wiley meet “sector-agreed thresholds” in long-running talks
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
Last week on Wonkhe: Stephen Roper and Tim Vorley present new survey findings showing how financial sustainability concerns are reshaping university behaviour
buff.ly
Counting the cost of financial challenges in English higher education
Stephen Roper and Tim Vorley present new survey findings showing how financial sustainability concerns are reshaping university behaviour Stephen Roper and Tim Vorley present new survey findings showing...
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Jim Dickinson @jimdickinson.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
NEW on Wonkhe: Westminster forgets that buses go to universities bit.ly/4pl3tJ9
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
Our annual MI Flow Cytometry Conference is back for 2026, bringing together researchers and local biotech and instrument manufacturers to explore innovation in flow – 6/3/26, University of Birmingham. Sign up, learn about presenting your work and sponsoring here: luma.com/tildud8t
luma.com
Midlands Innovation Flow Cytometry Conference 2026 · Luma
Want to learn about flow cytometry? Want to see what’s new in the field? Want to find out about research and facilities within the MI Universities? Then come…
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Midlands Innovation @midlandsinnovation.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Our second MI Extracellular Vesicles (EV) conference is the 16th March at the University of Nottingham. Use the link to sign up to attend and learn more about exciting research and facilities within the Midlands, plus presentation and sponsorship opportunities. luma.com/ft7ywefg
luma.com
Midlands Innovation Extracellular Vesicles Conference 2026 · Luma
Want to learn about extracellular vesicles? Want to see what’s new in the field? Want to find out about research and facilities within the MI…
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
NEW on Wonkhe: A new dawn has broken has it not? James Coe looks at the politics of the government’s new approach to research and a change of direction for UKRI buff.ly/NUc7eqn
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Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 15/11/2025
This week on Wonkhe: There are legitimate use-cases for AI that deliver efficiency, but for Nick Jennings and Sam Grogan the real prize is active development of AI learning partnership skills
buff.ly
In learning, AI must become a co-creator, not a shortcut
There are legitimate use-cases for AI that deliver efficiency, but for Nick Jennings and Sam Grogan the real prize is active development of AI learning partnership skills
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Reposted by Helen Turner
Times Higher Education (THE) @timeshighered.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
#THEAwards Outstanding Technician of the Year is @jiteenahmed.bsky.social. His technical leadership has inspired change at Aston University and across the sector. The judges praised his commitment to nurturing the next generation of technical talent and his innovation in technical career development
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Times Higher Education (THE) @timeshighered.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
It’s the penultimate #THEAwards category! @lborouniversity.bsky.social wins Outstanding Marketing/Communications Team for its creative approach to navigating external restrictions, producing intriguing and entertaining social media content that showcased the university’s sporting excellence 🏃‍♀️
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