University News Last updated 13 June
Professor Hanifa Shah, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research, Enterprise, Engagement and STEAM at Birmingham City University (BCU), has been awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in recognition of her outstanding contribution to higher education.
Under Professor Shah’s leadership, BCU has become a national leader in emerging technologies and industry-linked education.
She has championed a bold, interdisciplinary approach to learning and research, ensuring students gain real-world skills in fast-evolving fields.
A key member of BCU’s Executive Team, Professor Shah has previously led two of the University’s major faculties - Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment, and Arts, Design and Media.
Professor Shah said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award. It is not only a personal milestone but a testament to the collective effort of my collaborators - educators, industry mentors, and institutions who believe in the power of education to change lives.
“I share this honour with them and with every student who has overcome adversity to pursue knowledge. I’d also like to convey my heartfelt thanks to my family for their belief in me, their love and ongoing support.”
Raised in inner-city Birmingham, Professor Shah (pictured) has long understood the life-changing power of education.
She holds a First-Class BSc (Hons) in Computing Science, a PhD in Computer Science, and a Cambridge University Masters in Sustainability Leadership.
She is also a Fellow of the British Computer Society, a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and a Chartered Engineer.
BCU Vice-Chancellor Professor David Mba said: “We are incredibly proud that Professor Shah has been awarded an OBE for services to higher education.
“This is a fitting recognition of her exceptional leadership, unwavering commitment to innovation, and dedication to widening participation.
“An inspiring and visionary colleague, Professor Shah has had a transformative impact not only at our University but across the wider sector.”
A leading advocate of university–industry collaboration, Professor Shah has developed influential partnerships with major businesses and public sector organisations.
These collaborations have delivered work-based learning programmes that align with employer needs and give professionals access to tailored, high-impact education.
This work was pivotal in shaping national and international thinking on work-based learning and university qualifications for IT professionals.
Professor Shah also played a central role in advancing the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) agenda, promoting curricula that blend creativity, critical thinking and technical excellence.
She led the academic vision for STEAMhouse - BCU’s £70 million centre for interdisciplinary innovation - which brings together students, academics and industry to drive new ideas, social mobility, and economic growth.
Professor Shah is also a champion of diversity and inclusion in science and engineering, and serves as a trustee of Millennium Point Trust, a STEM-focused charity.