Strathclyde comes out on top in UK university poll

By NATALIE WALKER
Published on 30/11/2012 11:53

A SCOTTISH university has topped the table of a prestigious further education poll.

• Glasgow-based university described by judges as a ‘bold, imaginative and innovative institution’

• University ‘stood out’ and had ‘an extraordinary understanding of where it was, where it wanted to be and how it wanted to get there’

• Glasgow shortlisted for outstanding contribution to innovation and technology whilst Edinburgh nominated for outstanding support for entrepreneurial university of the year. Robert Gordon nominated for best student support

The University of Strathclyde has been named as the Times Higher Education’s UK University of the Year - ahead of five other shortlisted institutions from across the UK.

The judges described Strathclyde as a “bold, imaginative and innovative institution”, and said the university’s dedication to working with industry “took concrete form in the past year, giving a modern slant to its 18th century founder’s vision of a place of useful learning”.

University principal and vice-chancellor Professor Sir Jim McDonald received the award.

He said: “This has been a transformational year for the University of Strathclyde and to be recognised by the Times Higher as university of the year is a great honour.

“The award reflects the hard work of staff across the university and their commitment to making a difference to our students, to our community and to wider society.

“Our vision as a leading international technological university has attracted overwhelming support from our partners in both the public and private sectors. This is yet another endorsement of our strategy.

“By working together, we can continue to touch lives around the world, by accelerating the development of new technologies and medicines, informing the development of public policy, supporting the economy, producing graduates ready for business and the professions, and helping our industries compete on the global stage.”

John Gill, editor of Times Higher Education, said: “The University of Strathclyde stood out as an institution that had an extraordinary understanding of where it was, where it wanted to be and how it wanted to get there.

“Its focus on ‘useful learning’ had come together in an impressive way in the past 12 months and the judges were clear that it was a worthy winner of the university of the year title.”

The Times Higher Education Awards are among the highest accolades in the sector, with last night’s ceremony attended by more than 1,000 members of the higher education community.

There were more than 500 entries across the 18 categories.

Strathclyde was also shortlisted in three other categories: entrepreneurial university of the year, outstanding support for early career researchers and outstanding contribution to the local community.

The University of Glasgow was shortlisted for outstanding contribution to innovation and technology while the University of Edinburgh was nominated for outstanding support for early career researchers and entrepreneurial university of the year. Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen was shortlisted for outstanding support for students.

The University and College Union (UCU) Scotland ‘s Official for Scotland, Mary Senior, said: “The University of Strathclyde is undergoing considerable change with a number of courses and departments being closed. The fact that the institution has been presented with this award is a tribute to the hardworking and dedicated staff who continue to deliver the highest standards of teaching, research and innovation.”