London Metropolitan University has formally received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education from King Charles III at a ceremony at St James’s Palace.
Date: 24 February 2026
London Metropolitan University has received the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education, the highest national institutional recognition for education in the UK, at a royal ceremony at St James's Palace.
The award was presented by Their Majesties The King and Queen during a ceremony at St James’s Palace on Tuesday 24 February to Professor Julie Hall, London Met's Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Liz Kelly, founder of the University's Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit (CWASU), which she established more than forty years ago.
Royal presentation at St James’s Palace
The Prize, announced in November, recognises the exceptional impact of CWASU over nearly four decades. The Unit has shaped national and international policy, informed criminal justice reform, strengthened survivor support and advanced understanding of violence against women and children.
Representing the University at St James’s Palace were Tijs Broeke, Chair of the Board of Governors; Professor Julie Hall; Professor Liz Kelly; Professor Fiona Vera-Gray; Dr Maria Garner; Jo Lovett; Natalie Johnson, a current PhD student and Vice-Chancellor’s Scholar; Anna Neira Quesada, a current MA student; and Michaela-Clare Addison (Sexual violence policy officer Victim Support) and Selma Taha (Director of Southall Black Sisters) who both studied London Met’s Woman and Child Abuse MA
During the ceremony, The Queen and The Princess Royal took time to speak with Tijs and former CWASU students now in senior leadership roles, as well as members of the academic team, about the vital importance of this work in shaping policy, practice and survivor-centred reform.
A sustained impact grounded in social purpose
Professor Hall said: “It is a real honour to receive this prestigious award from His Majesty The King. This recognition reflects the sustained commitment, rigour and impact of the CWASU team over nearly four decades.
“At London Metropolitan University, we are driven by a clear social purpose. We exist to address inequality, to work in partnership with communities and to produce research that leads to meaningful change. CWASU embodies that mission, and we are immensely proud of the difference their work continues to make, both here in the UK and around the world.
“At a time when the value of university education is being questioned in some quarters, moments like this remind us of the transformative power of education and research to shape policy, improve lives and strengthen society.”
The day concluded with a dinner at Guildhall, bringing together leaders from across higher and further education and key partners in this field. The University extends its thanks to all colleagues, partners, students and alumni whose work over nearly 40 years made this recognition possible.
The award for London Met was covered by the BBC on its website, highlighting the sustained impact of the University’s Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit.
About the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit
The Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit at London Metropolitan University is internationally recognised for its research, evaluation, training and consultancy on violence against women and children.
Established in 1987, CWASU is the only research unit in Europe that integrates a focus on all forms of violence against women and child abuse. It has completed more than 140 research and evaluation projects, shaping policy, practice and legislation in the UK and internationally. The Unit is known for connecting different forms of gender violence and advancing innovative feminist research methodologies.
CWASU has delivered consultancy and training across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, including work as special advisers to the British Council.
It also leads the pioneering MA in Woman and Child Abuse and supports a strong postgraduate research community.
Founded at the then Polytechnic of North London by Mary MacLeod and Esther Saraga, CWASU’s first full-time staff member was Professor Liz Kelly, whose leadership helped establish the Unit’s national and international influence.
“At London Metropolitan University, we are driven by a clear social purpose. We exist to address inequality, to work in partnership with communities and to produce research that leads to meaningful change. CWASU embodies that mission, and we are immensely proud of the difference their work continues to make, both here in the UK and around the world.
“At a time when the value of university education is being questioned in some quarters, moments like this remind us of the transformative power of education and research to shape policy, improve lives and strengthen society.”
The day concluded with a dinner at Guildhall, bringing together leaders from across higher and further education and key partners in this field. The University extends its thanks to all colleagues, partners, students and alumni whose work over nearly 40 years made this recognition possible.
Following the formal presentation at St James’s Palace, colleagues from London Met attended a celebratory dinner at Guildhall in the City of London.
Representing the University were Tijs Broeke, Professor Julie Hall, Professor Liz Kelly, Professor Fiona Vera-Gray, Dr Maria Garner, Joanna Lovett, Aruna Dudhai, Professor Purna Sen, Maeva Khachfe; and Kelly Marie Cooper, Dean of London Met’s School of Social Sciences and Professions. They were joined by key sector partners including Ema Kelly of Capacity Development International and Andrea Simon of the End Violence Against Women Coalition.
The BBC covered the award for London Met’s team on its website, highlighting the sustained impact of the University’s Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit.
About the Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit
The Child and Woman Abuse Studies Unit at London Metropolitan University is internationally recognised for its research, evaluation, training and consultancy on violence against women and children.
Established in 1987, CWASU is the only research unit in Europe that integrates a focus on all forms of violence against women and child abuse. It has completed more than 140 research and evaluation projects, shaping policy, practice and legislation in the UK and internationally. The Unit is known for connecting different forms of gender violence and advancing innovative feminist research methodologies.
CWASU has delivered consultancy and training across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America, including work as special advisers to the British Council.
It also leads the pioneering MA in Woman and Child Abuse and supports a strong postgraduate research community.
Founded at the then Polytechnic of North London by Mary MacLeod and Esther Saraga, CWASU’s first full-time staff member was Professor Liz Kelly, whose leadership helped establish the Unit’s national and international influence.
Professor Liz Kelly CBE (left) and Professor Julie Hall (right), at St James’s Palace, where Their Majesties The King and Queen presented them with the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Higher and Further Education.
About the Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education
The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Higher and Further Education are part of the UK national honours system, recognising outstanding work in universities and colleges. The Prizes are granted every two years by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister, following a rigorous independent review carried out by the Royal Anniversary Trust, an independent charity. Formerly known as the Queen’s Anniversary Prizes.
www.royalanniversarytrust.org.uk