Lancaster University receives Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for its micro:bit pocket-sized computer

Lancaster University has been awarded a Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education for its micro:bit pocket-sized, programmable computer.  The micro:bit has helped support 66 million children across 85 countries to become coders and technology creators. 

The university was recognized alongside 18 other prize-winners as part of the UK’s national honors system recognizing outstanding work in universities and colleges. 

The micro:bit was created more than ten years ago by a BBC-led consortium including several technology companies. Lancaster University was the only academic institution involved, helping to create the microcomputer’s run-time operating system, delivering the hardware, and shaping the coding experience.

Professor Rebecca Lingwood, Interim Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, comments: “The micro:bit team embodies Lancaster University’s motto, ‘Truth lies open to all.’ Through innovation, partnership and quiet dedication, they’ve created technology that empowers and inspires young people worldwide. We are immensely proud to receive this award recognising their global impact.”

Professor Joe Finney, of Lancaster University’s School of Computing and Communications, who led the design and development of the micro:bit’s run-time operating system, adds: “It is truly fantastic to see Lancaster's work recognised for its contribution to society in this way. It represents the dedication and work of so many people over the past ten years to go from a conceptual idea to a creative, educational platform transforming the lives of over 66 million students worldwide. I'm very much looking forward to seeing what the micro:bit can achieve in the next 10 years.”