A former Barrow resident's research has led to a university being shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has been recognised in the Times Higher Education (THE) awards for its research that challenges the understanding of the universe.

PhD student Alexia Lopez has been shortlisted in the Research Project of the Year: STEM category for her cosmological discoveries.

In 2021, Ms Lopez discovered an ultra-large-scale structure in the universe called The Giant Arc, and in 2024, she found the Big Ring in the Sky.

These discoveries were 'so significant' they challenged fundamental assumptions in the field of cosmology.

The student said: "I am completely taken by surprise.

"It is truly an honour to be shortlisted for this award and I am delighted that the Giant Arc and the Big Ring have drawn such an interest, both from the public and academic community."

Her research on the Big Ring in the Sky has reached more than one billion people worldwide, with more than 1,000 media outlets covering the story.

The student was also invited to speak at the prestigious Royal Society meeting: Challenging the Standard Cosmological Model.

It is generally 'unheard of' for a PhD student to present at such events, but Ms Lopez's work placed her alongside world-leading cosmologists and a Nobel prize winner.

She said: "It is a privilege to work towards answering the questions: what does our universe look like and how did our universe form?

"Studying the universe on the largest scales imaginable is exhilarating; finding the Giant Arc and Big Ring structures are reminders that we still do not have all the answers about our universe, and that there is so much left to learn."

The THE awards are celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, and there are some 120 finalists from more than 70 institutions.

THE editor John Gill said: "This year’s THE Awards mark the 20th anniversary of the event, which over the last two decades has celebrated the wonderful achievements of a sector that has undergone extraordinary transformation without ever losing sight of the vital role it plays across the UK and Ireland.

"In 2024 it’s fair to say that higher education is going through a challenging period, but these awards are a constant reminder that we should never underestimate the dedication and drive of those who work in our universities to transform lives for the better."

The awards received a record-breaking number of entries in 2024.

Mr Gill said: "Our sincere congratulations to all those shortlisted in such a competitive year – it really is an achievement to have reached this stage, and we very much look forward to celebrating with you all at our 20th birthday party in Birmingham on November 28."