WBS shortlisted twice for prestigious QS Reimagine Education Awards

Warwick Business School has been nominated for two awards at the QS Reimagine Education Awards 2026 for its innovative teaching and commitment to creating societal impact.

The School has been shortlisted in the Immersive Experiential Learning category for its new Branding and Marketing Communications module that utilises AI avatars and VR, while its Veteran Leadership Programme with Ukrainian civic movement CHESNO, that is helping create new leaders to rebuild the country, is in the running for The Power of Partnerships award.

WBS competed against more than 2,200 projects that were submitted across 15 categories and were assessed by over 1,000 international judges, with the winners set to be announced at the QS Reimagine Education Awards & Conference in London on December 6 to 8.

Laura Chamberlain, Professor of Marketing, designed the Branding and Marketing Communications module by working with the School’s Teaching and Learning Enhancement (TLE) department to utilise AI avatars and VR.

"We're absolutely delighted to be shortlisted,” said Professor Chamberlain. “The module was designed to immerse participants in the realities of strategic decision-making and how they need to work as a team with often incomplete data to build a brand strategy. Employers expect graduates who can research, judge and defend. This module was built to close that gap.

“To be recognised by QS among so many outstanding global entries is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the team involved."

The module sees students interact with 31 AI avatars built by the TLE team as they conduct research, analyse evidence and ultimately defend their recommendations to a virtual company board. 

The avatars include customers, competitors, managers, directors, and more, with VR headsets also used to explore a garment factory in Bangladesh, a fashion show and even landfill sites in East Africa. 

Diana Stefanescu, Teaching and Learning Consultant, who led the avatar development, added: "This nomination is fantastic recognition for the innovation and hard work put in to create the virtual world for students. We have had great feedback from students and heard how much they have loved the power of learning by doing.

“We wanted participants to develop confidence, critical thinking and leadership skills through authentic experiences rather than purely theoretical exercises. Being shortlisted on an international stage validates that approach and encourages us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovative business education."

The School’s second nomination highlights the University of Warwick’s commitment to standing with Ukraine since the full-scale invasion of the country by Russia in 2022.

Led by Ukrainian and Associate Professor Bo Kelestyn, the Veteran Leadership Programme aims to support war veterans as they transition from the frontline to civic leadership roles and contribute to rebuilding their country's institutions and communities.

The programme equips veterans with leadership, management and governance skills while helping create a new generation of leaders in Ukraine.

It has been so successful that its latest cohort had almost 350 applications for the 15 places on offer.

Dr Kelestyn said: "This nomination means an enormous amount to everyone involved. The partnership with CHESNO is about much more than education; it's about creating opportunities for people who have sacrificed so much for our country and helping them play a leading role in Ukraine's future.

“We have seen remarkable determination, resilience and ambition from the veterans participating in the programme, and this recognition shines a light on their achievements, but also our incredible speakers, British veterans and organisations that make a real difference here in the UK.

"As someone with strong personal ties to Ukraine, it is especially meaningful to see the international education community recognise a project focused on recovery, leadership and hope. Rebuilding a country requires skilled leaders, strong institutions and collaboration, and we are proud to be playing a small part in that journey."

Vita Dumanska, CEO of CHESNO, said: “Being shortlisted for a QS Reimagine Education Award confirms that veterans' experience is not a burden on Ukraine's recovery; it is one of the country's most valuable resources. Warwick Business School saw that before most institutions did and has become a partner our veterans know they can rely on. Through this partnership, CHESNO has the privilege of building a bridge between Ukrainian and British veterans.”

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