A North East university has been shortlisted for a national award recognising its support for the Armed Forces community.
The University of Sunderland is in the running for Most Outstanding Armed Forces at the 2026 Services Awards, part of the National Armed Forces & Emergency Services Events (NAFESE) taking place in its home city.
The nomination reflects the university’s long-standing commitment to supporting servicemen and women through education, outreach, and defence medical collaborations.
Mal Robinson, event director for NAFESE, said: "The awards have been a mainstay in the service community calendar now for four years, however this is the first time the University has been nominated, despite its long association in working with the service family community.
"Having read the nomination criteria, I can say their place on the shortlist is well deserved, alongside the other top candidates.
"It is quite apt that the University has been revealed on the shortlist during their 'Made in Sunderland' week, which was launched alongside Sunderland AFC!"
The 2026 Services Awards will be held at Quinn’s Bar at the Stadium of Light, as part of Sunderland AFC’s Armed Forces Veteran’s Breakfast Club on Wednesday, May 13.
Unlike previous years, the ceremony will take place during the daytime, aligning more closely with the broader NAFESE programme.
Sir David Bell, vice chancellor of the University of Sunderland, said: "I am delighted that the University of Sunderland has been shortlisted for the Most Outstanding Armed Forces Unit Award.
"It speaks to the strong commitment that our institution has to the armed forces and those students and staff who have served, or are serving, in defence of our country.
"With increasing talk about the need to build national resilience, the University demonstrates what can be done in a way that benefits those who work and study here, at the same time as supporting our nation in these troubling and uncertain times."
The university’s nomination cites its educational pathways for veterans, specialised support for service families, and collaborative development of defence medical capability as key contributors to its selection.
NAFESE 2026 will feature more than 50 exhibitors, offering opportunities in recruitment, training, legal advice, housing support, and mental wellbeing.
A dedicated STEM area will host school and college groups, with careers representation from both the Royal Air Force and the British Army.
The Connor Brown Trust will also deliver talks on the dangers of knife crime.
The University of Sunderland shares its category with individuals and organisations including Corporal Styles of the Royal Logistics Corps, Captain David Ridley of 8 Rifles, and Lieutenant Colonel Terry McDermott-Moses of the British Army Reserves.
The awards span five categories: Most Outstanding Armed Forces, Most Outstanding Emergency Services, Most Outstanding Volunteer, Mental Health Champion, and the Most Outstanding Overall Winner.
Among nominees in other categories are NHS Fife, Lancashire Constabulary’s PCSO Alan Fielding, and volunteers such as Kerryanne Wilde of the Penrith/Eden Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club.
NAFESE 2026 will open at 9am, with the awards ceremony following at 10am.
Full details about the event are available at www.nafese2023.com.
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