Among the panel of 14 figures from the sector are Maja Maricevic, head of higher education at the British Library; Christopher Hallas, chair of the Association of 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Administrators; and Ken Sloan, registrar of the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Warwick.

Others include Chris Cobb, chief operating officer and university secretary at the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of London; Liesl Elder, director of development at the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Oxford; and Hari Punchihewa, deputy chief executive and finance director at the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Derby.

Now in their fourth year, the awards - affectionately known as the "Thelmas" - highlight the work of university managers and administrators. Last year, prizes were awarded in 16 categories, covering fundraising to human resources and research management to student services.

The main award, the Outstanding Leadership and Management Team, went to Birkbeck, 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of London, which the judges praised for its response to the threat posed to part-time provision by the previous government's decision to withdraw funding for students taking second degrees. Other winners included the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Bath (Outstanding 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Fundraising Team); Aston 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ (Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year, and Outstanding Human Resources Team); and the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Derby (Outstanding Registry Team).

51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

Universities have until 23 March to enter. The awards ceremony will take place on 21 June at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

John Gill, editor of THE, said: "The awards celebrate the talent and hard work of those running our universities. With such a distinguished panel judging them, we are sure to see some excellent examples of how important this often-overlooked part of the sector is to the continuing health of UK universities."

51¹ú²úÊÓƵ

simon.baker@tsleducation.com

? Entries can be made by visiting .