RCSI has been shortlisted in three categories at the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, earning recognition for excellence in teaching innovation and student support, and for institutional impact.

The University is a finalist for Specialist University of the Year, while Dr Claire Mulhall has been shortlisted for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year and RCSI's Design Your Life programme has been recognised in the Outstanding Support for Students category.

Widely known as the 'Oscars of higher education', the annual Times Higher Education Awards celebrate excellence across the sector, recognising outstanding achievements in teaching, research, knowledge exchange, leadership, innovation and professional services. The winners of the 2026 awards will be announced in November.

Professor Cathal Kelly, Vice Chancellor, RCSI, said: "We are delighted to be recognised in three categories at this year's Times Higher Education Awards. These shortlistings reflect the commitment of our faculty and professional staff to delivering excellence in health sciences education, supporting student success and advancing innovation across the University.”

Specialist University of the Year

RCSI's shortlisting for Specialist University of the Year recognises its leadership in health sciences education, research, professional training and public impact.

Ranked in the top 10 universities in the world for Good Health and Well-being (UN SDG 3) in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, RCSI is dedicated to improving human health through education, research and clinical collaboration.

Most Innovative Teacher of the Year

Dr Claire Mulhall, Lecturer in Simulation and Academic Lead for the Simulated Participant Programme at RCSI, has been shortlisted for developing SPIRE (Simulation for Professional Identity Formation and Empathy in Medical Education), a pioneering simulation-based curriculum designed to prepare medical students for some of the most challenging conversations in healthcare, including breaking bad news, end-of-life care and bereavement.

Outstanding Support for Students

RCSI's Design Your Life programme was shortlisted for Outstanding Support for Students in recognition of its innovative approach to helping students navigate uncertainty, purpose and career decision-making.

The programme equips students with practical tools to reflect on their values, explore future possibilities and make informed decisions about their personal and professional development.