THE Herald is seeking entries for its third annual Higher Education Awards which recognise the outstanding contribution to society made by colleges and universities across Scotland.

The prestigious awards, in association with the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), are made up of 15 categories which throw the spotlight on innovation in teaching and research across the sector.

The event also seeks to highlight productive partnerships between universities, colleges, industry and the wider community as well as rewarding institutions at the forefront of efforts to widen access to students from poorer backgrounds.

Supported by Anderson Strathern, City of Glasgow College, technology provider Jisc, the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education Scotland (QAA), Scottish Qualifications Authority and Universities Scotland, the awards will also examine how colleges and universities market themselves, use technology and support students.

This year we have introduced a new category, the Best Use of Articulation Award to recognise the impressive work of colleges to identify talented students who are able to study up to degree level, but may have missed out on the required grades at school.

Once colleges have identified students they complete a Higher National qualification before moving to the second or third year of a university degree.

Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, highlighted the crucial role played by the sector in widening access.

She said: "Colleges now play an enhanced role in delivering higher education and providing many students from more deprived backgrounds a clear route into post-16 education.

"In light of the ability of colleges to reach out and attract students from more deprived backgrounds the articulation pathways between colleges and universities are vitally important."

Barclay McBain, chairman of the judging panel and an executive editor with The Herald, added: "The 15 categories have been designed to celebrate the very significant work universities and colleges do in educating Scotland's brightest minds, unearthing untapped talent and supporting students during their studies.

"The Herald has always championed widening access to talented individuals from all social backgrounds and with the Scottish Government's renewed focus on this agenda is absolutely right that we seek to put the spotlight on the impressive work that is going in both the university and college sectors."

Professor Craig Mahoney, principal of the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), said: “We are delighted to continue to support these exciting awards as they celebrate the wide range of successes and achievements made in the wide range of Scottish higher education activities.

“The awards provide an excellent opportunity to highlight the valuable contribution that institutions make, both economically and socially to our country and further afield and we are thrilled to be part of that celebration.”

Visit http://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/heawards/ for more information on the categories and how to enter before the deadline of May 11.