Around 200 students from across the University attended the Edinburgh Award’s annual reception at the Playfair Library on 21 April 2026.
The Edinburgh Award is a skills development programme that recognises students for getting involved in activities outside their degree programme, such as work experience and volunteering. More than 1,000 students achieve the Award each year.
Attendees at the reception heard speeches from Lucy Evans, the University’s Associate Principal and Deputy Secretary, Students, as well as Dr Hermione Cockburn OBE, a television and radio presenter and earth scientist.
We are incredibly proud of each one of our students who have achieved the Edinburgh Award this year. Our students are at the heart of everything we do at Edinburgh, and we’re committed to offering our students meaningful opportunities to develop the vital skills they need to thrive and succeed in their future careers. I would also like to thank the fantastic staff who are involved in the programme, Award Leaders, Edinburgh University Students’ Association, Edinburgh University Sports Union and the Careers Service team, for their continued commitment to make this programme a success over the last 15 years.
From sports coaching to digital skills, the Edinburgh Award recognises students’ development and impact through taking part in a range of different activities.
The University-wide programme began in 2011, with staff from across the University, the Students' Association and the Sports Union leading individual Awards. The Award leaders play a vital role in the successful delivery of the programme.
If you’d like to take part in the Edinburgh Award, visit the webpage below for more information. All students can apply to take part.
