The award recognises outstanding alumni who have made significant contributions to their chosen field or profession, including but not limited to industry, government, and sport. 

Judging criteria

Impact & Contribution  

Demonstrated significant and lasting impact in their field (e.g., innovation, leadership, policy change, athletic excellence). 

Clear evidence of impact of Cambridge experience and alignment with Cambridge values[1]  

Demonstration of how the nominee aligns with Cambridge values AND/OR their Cambridge experience has impacted on their career choices and destination. 

Inspiration & Legacy  

Serves as a role model for others; has inspired change, mentorship, or future generations. 

Global Recognition & Influence 

Evidence of peer or public recognition. 

Uniqueness of Entry  

What makes this nominee different? 

[1,2,3,4,5] Freedom of thought and expression

Freedom from discrimination

Encouragement of a questioning spirit

Commitment to diversity and widest possible access to education

Life-long learning

Contribution to society through the pursuit, dissemination, and application of knowledge

Concern for sustainability and environmental responsibility

https://www.cam.ac.uk/about-the-university/how-the-university-and-colleges-work/mission-and-core-values

To be eligible, nominees must:  

• Be a confirmed alumnus/a of the University of Cambridge [https://www.alumni.cam.ac.uk/contact/alumni-eligibility].
• Be nominated for one Award category only.  (Provided that the judging panel reserves the right to reassign nominations if more appropriate).  
• Not have previously won an Award in the same category.  Any such previous winner shall not be eligible in subsequent years.  

The following alumni are ineligible:

• Current members of the Alumni Advisory Board or its Working Groups [The Alumni Advisory Board | Alumni].
• Current staff members of Development and Alumni Relations.

Nominating

• You may nominate more than one alumnus across different categories.  
• Both self-nominations and nominations of others are welcome.  
• Self-nominations will not be accepted without a letter of recommendation referencing the nomination criteria and confirming that the nomination contents are accurate and correct to their best knowledge and belief.

Development and Alumni Relations reserves the right to make a final decision on any individual’s eligibility for the Awards.  

What would disqualify an applicant?

• Misuse of University brand or reputation for personal, political, or professional purposes
• Actions that bring the University reputation into disrepute
• Misrepresentation of achievements: Any part of the nomination includes false or misleading claims.