A DEVON university’s business school has been shortlisted for a major national award recognising its work on environmental sustainability, responsible leadership and technological transformation.

The University of Exeter’s Business School is in the running for Business School of the Year at the 2026 Times Higher Education THE Awards, which celebrate excellence across the UK and Irish higher education sectors and are often described as the ‘Oscars of Higher Education’.

The shortlisting recognises the school’s efforts to tackle the climate and nature crises through research, education and partnerships, at a time when environmental commitments are facing increasing pressure.

Among its achievements are hosting the first-ever AI for Net Zero conference, bringing together experts to explore how artificial intelligence can support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The school was also selected to lead a major UKRI-funded initiative examining how emerging technologies can accelerate the shift towards a circular economy.

Meanwhile, the launch of the Climate and Nature Impact Team at the World Economic Forum in Davos aims to combine science and communication to drive action on climate and nature across key industry sectors.

Professor Steve Wood, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the University of Exeter Business School, said the shortlisting reflected the work of students, academic staff and professional services teams.

He added that while commitments to environmental sustainability were ‘increasingly under pressure’, the school’s determination to address the climate and nature crises through its research, education and partnerships remained ‘as steadfast as ever’.

The awards, covering the 2024-25 academic year, will be presented at a ceremony in Birmingham on November 26