Issue 608 Reporter September 2018 ‘Incredible honour’ Professor Dame Jane Francis – Director of the British Antarctic Survey – enjoyed a ‘Perfect Day’ as she was installed as the University’s new Chancellor. Souvenir supplement – Pages 9-16 On track A Government announcement by the Transport Secretary will unlock the potential of the University’s new Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration. Page 3 And the winner is... Results are revealed in the Leeds International Piano Competition 2018 – one of the most coveted prizes in the musical world. Page 6 Climate change Major new studies from leading University academics are helping experts better understand the causes and impact of global warming. Page 7 02 Reporter 608 September 2018 Leader column Plotting a course in uncertain times The dawn of a new academic year to Leeds programme. EU student numbers are These include: can give rise to mixed emotions. significantly ahead of plan and international • the review of post-18 funding, which will land For some, there is a sense of undergraduate numbers have also grown, but are with the Government in early 2019 unlikely to meet our ambitious target. Preliminary exhilaration and renewal, for others • the Joint Expert Panel on pensions will report signs are that international recruitment of a sense of frustration that overdue during September, leaving Universities UK, postgraduate taught students is strong. In the writing commitments are still work in the University and College Union, their Joint latest National Student Survey, Leeds recorded progress and that August, once the Negotiating Committee, the USS Trustee and an overall satisfaction level of 88% – one of Platonic ideal of summer, seems to The Pensions Regulator to determine an agreed get busier every year. the strongest results for a research intensive position University and first equal in the Russell Group. However, as we enjoy the international welcome • Brexit discussions, which may or may not offer and introduction weeks, and the start of the The University has also seen continued progress greater clarity towards the end of this year; and autumn semester, a natural balance – often in research funding, with more than a thousand • the Government’s post-Brexit immigration policy, simply expressed in the words “it’s great new awards in 2017-18 totalling £175 million – an which will draw on advice from the Migration to have the students back on campus” – is increase of more than 20% during the past two Advisory Committee. years. The University’s success in the Global somehow restored. Amid the current political bickering, the tendency Challenges Research Fund and the Newton There are very few institutions in other parts at the top is to focus on means not ends. The Fund – ranked third in the country by Research University prefers to be clear about the need for of the economy where about one third of the Fortnight – will change the lives and life chances population changes every 12 months, and this positive outcomes in each of these areas, which I of people in many of the poorest communities define as: brings new energy, new ideas and new insights across the world. Meanwhile, the White Rose to the University community. It is my privilege to College of Arts and Humanities – a collaboration • stability and sustainability of university funding welcome new staff and many thousands of new with York and Sheffield – has been awarded a and a fairer deal for students students from across the UK and around the £13 million grant to extend an already successful • a pension scheme that is stable, sustainable, fair world to Leeds, a great University in a forward- doctoral training centre, and there has been great and valued by staff looking, compassionate city. I hope you will all activity in the summer to respond to an invitation have a happy and fulfilling time here. • opportunities for staff and students to from the Engineering and Physical Sciences collaborate with European institutions on major UK universities face many uncertainties at the Research Council to submit a number of bids for research initiatives; mutual recognition of moment, including the Government’s review of major centres for doctoral training. professional qualifications; guaranteed rights funding for post-18 education, unease about for EU nationals working or studying in UK pensions, the implications of Brexit and the Nexus – the University’s centre for innovation universities and continued UK involvement in importance of international collaborations and – will open during this academic year under Erasmus+; and the direction of Martin Stow, who will ensure it global connections. Faced with this position, we • establishing the UK as the country of choice quickly becomes a place where ideas, expertise have taken the view that we will be much more for talented students and staff from around the and opportunity come together, creating new effective if we put most of our time and energy world and providing research funding to develop into the things we can control, whilst seeking to economic value and developing collaborative collaborative working beyond the EU. influence the wider policy and funding landscape working between entrepreneurs, businesses and at every opportunity. researchers. And major funding bids are being The financial risks associated with each of these actively pursued with industrial partners in areas challenges are real and, if they remain unresolved, Put simply, the University wishes to increase as diverse as digital pathology, specialist glass will have a significant effect on University funding. knowledge and opportunity by doing four things manufacturing, medtech, high speed rail and This would require incisive mitigating action. really well: providing outstanding education advanced textile science and digital technologies that will attract, excite and retain high quality 2018-19 will be a year of uncertainty in higher linked to the fashion industry. students from diverse backgrounds; striving to be education. However, the University is in a strong a world-leading research university by achieving Good strides are also being made in delivering position to navigate a way through this, with significant increases in research quality, income our international strategy, with a continued focus committed staff and students, who are achieving and impact; promoting an integrated approach on the recruitment of international students and great progress in education, research and innovation, and extending our international reach; to innovation and enterprise; and increasing our staff, developing global research collaborations and a strong balance sheet that provides a secure international reach by boosting global education (for example, our work on environmental platform, enabling us to tackle external financial and research collaborations. sciences with Shanghai Jiao Tong University) risks in a considered and timely manner. We and stepping up targeted engagement with our Recent results in each of our strategic priorities will also work hard using every route possible to have underlined the benefits of this highly worldwide alumni, global companies, NGOs and ensure positive outcomes to the major policy and focused approach. other partners. These are all important steps funding risks facing the sector. to support academic development as the UK We have recruited almost 7,000 new UK prepares to exit the European Union. undergraduate students, 47% with AAA or better at A-level. The University’s commitment The University has more limited influence in a to widening access and participation is also number of policy areas that could have serious reinforced by the recruitment of more than consequences for the direction and funding of 1,000 students joining us through our Access universities. Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands September 2018 Reporter 608 03 News Contents Leader column Page 2 News Pages 3, 4, 5, 6 Research and innovation Page 7 Sustainability Page 8 Chancellor’s Installation Supplement Transport Secretary’s Pages 9-16 People HS2 decision boosts Page 17 Students new rail institute Page 18 Student Lifecycle Programme Page 19 A Government announcement has unlocked the potential of the In the news University’s new Institute for High Speed Rail and System Integration. Page 20 Its location alongside the £10m Institute major projects will need.” combines the depot with the University’s Honours The rolling stock depot has a crucial role in advanced testing facilities to create a “thriving enabling 24-hour maintenance of the brand Page 21 hub” for future engineers. new high speed trains, due to deliver faster The co-location, to the east of Leeds, ensures journeys for passengers on the East Coast Public engagement the region benefits from the predicted mainline. Page 22 economic growth from the HS2. It will create up to 125 skilled jobs, building The Institute brings to Leeds a ‘whole system’ on HS2’s commitment to create more than Events approach to high speed rail planning, design, 100,000 new jobs and 2,000 apprentices. Page 23 construction and manufacturing – the only one of its kind in the UK. FAQs Professor Lisa Roberts, Deputy Vice- Page 24 Chancellor: Research and Innovation, says: The depot will act as an “The location of the depot, combined with the new advanced testing facilities as part of economic catalyst, creating the University’s Institute, are a significant step skilled jobs, boosting the About the Reporter forward for UK high speed rail capability. local economy by unlocking The Reporter is the University’s colleague “They position Leeds City Region as a global regeneration opportunities and magazine, produced by the Internal Communications team. centre for high speed rail research and driving continued investment. development, so we’re working closely with If you have an idea for a story or want to HS2 to ensure our facilities align with its needs Transport Secretary, Chris Grayling comment on this issue, please contact us at and those of industry, so all sides can deliver [email protected] or 0113 343 8562.