THE University of Bradford has been awarded a Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education for its work in developing archaeological technology and techniques.

The announcement was made by the Royal Anniversary Trust at a reception at St James’s Palace yesterday, which was attended by the University’s vice-chancellor, Professor Shirley Congdon.

The accolade is the highest form of national recognition that UK higher education institutions can achieve.

The University has been honoured for its leadership and innovation in pioneering the techniques, technology and practices of archaeology both in the UK and worldwide.

Among the projects included in the honour is Virtual Bradford, which will create a ‘brick for brick’ high-resolution copy of the city centre, with potential to expand the area in the future.

The project is a collaboration between the University of Bradford and Bradford Council, and is part of the EU-funded SCORE project, which aims to improve public service through smart open-data solutions.

Virtual Bradford will revolutionise how the Council deals with planning, air pollution and traffic management, but will also enable other uses, such as creation of heritage trails and mapping cultural assets in 3D.

It will also transform how people interact with the city - businesses could open virtual shops, allowing customers to browse virtual aisles, while artists could install virtual exhibitions and heritage trails could be created throughout the city.

Professor Shirley Congdon said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to be awarded The Queen’s Anniversary Prize for our achievements in leading the development of archaeological practice, and delivering tangible scientific, economic and societal impact.

“The University has an established record in carrying out truly great research that significantly impacts on the world. The Queen’s Anniversary Prize demonstrates the difference that the University is making in influencing not only how archaeology is practised but how, like all our research, it can be applied to benefit real lives, in the UK and across the world.”

Dr Cathy Batt, Head of the University’s School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences, said: “'The Queen’s Anniversary Prize is a tremendous honour for Bradford and a tribute to the way archaeology has always been conducted at the University.

“We work with leading national and international organisations, but our students are also fully involved, from first year students learning about these cutting-edge developments in classes, through undergraduate placement students working on projects in the UK and abroad, to postgraduate research contributing innovations. The prize is a true Team Bradford effort.”