Two North East institutions receive royal recognition 

Representatives from Gateshead College and Newcastle University have been presented with Queen Elizabeth Prizes honouring work of outstanding importance and quality in higher and further education in the UK.

Gateshead College received the award for the first time for an innovative programme for the built environment and Newcastle University was honoured for research into dementia.

The prizes were presented at St James’s Palace as part of the Royal Anniversary Trust awards, held every two years to recognise excellence and innovation across UK colleges and universities.

Gateshead College

Gateshead College was recognised for its PlanBEE higher apprenticeship programme, which was developed in partnership with Ryder Architecture to address skills shortages in the built environment and construction sector.

Launched in 2016, PlanBEE is backed by a consortium of more than 70 businesses with apprentices completing six four-month placements across different disciplines including architecture, engineering, project management, quantity surveying and digital design.

The programme has delivered more than 850 industry placements and reports a 98% progression rate into permanent roles or further study. It has since expanded to Manchester and London, has an affiliated programme in Vancouver, with additional pathways including PlanBEE Rail in partnership with Network Rail and PlanBEE Cyber in the North East.

David Alexander, Principal of Gateshead College, said: “Receiving a Queen Elizabeth Prize is an absolute honour for the college. PlanBEE was created to help tackle the skills shortages in the built environment, and this award shows the difference that can be made when colleges and employers work closely together.

“We’re really proud to deliver PlanBEE, but this recognition is for everyone who has been part of the programme over the last 10 years – our sponsors, apprentices, graduates and the college staff who have helped make PlanBEE the success it is today.”

Mark Thompson, Managing Director at Ryder Architecture, added: “Having developed the concept of PlanBEE and garnered support from businesses in the sector, we needed an education delivery partner that could move at pace and understand the needs of a fast-changing industry. Gateshead College provided that foundation. To see the programme recognised with this national honour demonstrates what can be achieved when education and industry work closely together.”

Newcastle University

Newcastle University was also awarded for their research which has transformed the understanding, diagnosis and care of people with Dementia with Lewy bodies.

Built on the visionary early work of scientific and clinical pioneers at Newcastle University, the Prize recognises more than three decades of ground-breaking research and unwavering dedication.

Professor John-Paul Taylor, Professor of Translational Dementia Research at Newcastle University, said: “This award reflects the power of sustained team science – built on the vision of early pioneers and driven forward by the creativity and commitment of today’s clinicians and researchers at Newcastle University.

“In close partnership with patients and families, this collective effort has transformed how Dementia with Lewy bodies is understood, diagnosed and treated worldwide. We are proud of that shared achievement and determined to continue advancing both discovery and care.”

Professor Chris Day, Vice-Chancellor and President of Newcastle University, said: “This award is a great honour and reflects the deep commitment of our researchers, clinicians and wider University community to improving people’s lives.

“For more than three decades, Newcastle’s work has helped transform how Dementia with Lewy bodies is understood, diagnosed and managed – bringing real benefits to patients, their families and the communities we serve.”

“We are proud that our research is shaping better care and healthier ageing, not just locally but around the world, and we remain dedicated to driving further improvements that support stronger, healthier communities for generations to come.”

This is the fifth time Newcastle University has been awarded what was previously known as the Queen’s Anniversary Prize. The University gained the prize in 2023 for excellence in water research, in 2013 in recognition of its internationally renowned research into sustainable rural economies and societies. Newcastle received the prize in 2009 for research into ageing and again, in 2005 for its innovative solutions to mine water pollution.