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President’s Weekly Update

30 June 2016

I know that many in the University are very concerned about the likely impact of the result of the referendum last week, indicating that the UK will leave the European Union. I appreciate that the result and surrounding uncertainty is a cause for great concern amongst many members of the University community. We are awaiting further information about what will happen next, but we expect no significant changes for quite a prolonged period.

One thing that is certain is that The University of Manchester is, and will remain, not just a UK but also an international university that embraces staff and students, and academic and business partnerships from across the world. It is particularly important at this time that we welcome and support our current and future colleagues and students from Europe and other continents and show them how much they are valued.

As a result of the referendum result, I have established a group of senior colleagues, which I will chair, to consider all aspects of the potential impacts of the UK vote to leave the European Union. You may have many questions - some of which we will not be able to answer just yet, but your views and comments are very important. Please send any to:

Further details and regular updates can be found at 

While recognising the great significance of the EU referendum, business must continue at the University. At Senate this week, discussion of the implications of the result of the referendum inevitably took some time, but we also agreed important issues relating to research degrees and students. A highlight was a presentation from Alison Shedlock, Head of Hospitality and Events, on our Sustainable Food Policy. She brought (I think for the first time at Senate) ‘food exhibits’ (demonstrating how we address sustainable sourcing) to describe how much the University is doing in this very important area.

Our Distinguished Achievement Awards celebrated the outstanding contributions of our staff and students. Awards were made to teams and individuals across the Professional Support Services, the Library and Cultural Institutions and to leading researchers, teachers, postgraduate research and undergraduate students in each of our four Faculties. It was particularly nice to see the families of a number of the winners at the event.

I gave a welcome to new staff who have just joined us and told them about the many things that I am most proud of in the University and what they should visit. One of many important questions that followed was “How would you advise me to get to know this huge University?” - I said ask (your colleagues), explore (our website in particular), visit the many fantastic parts of the University and attend as many as you wish of our amazing events. I suggested they go into the Old Quad as graduating students are coming out of the ceremony with their families and celebrating their achievements - a great way to see what we are about!

ESOF (EuroScience Open Forum) will proceed here in Manchester as planned in July, regardless of the referendum, and it will provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate European science. Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, and I hosted a breakfast meeting for local businesses to tell them about ESOF and to encourage them to get involved. At quite short notice, we had a great turn-out with many wanting to take part as exhibitors and attendees. We have had great messages of support from our European colleagues, including the EU Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation, who tweeted that he looks forward to ESOF:

I gave a talk to about 400 at the Association of Graduate Recruiters at Manchester Central. This is the first time that this meeting has been held in Manchester. The audience comprised mainly companies who employ our graduates. I spoke about partnership between the University and employers and what we are doing to prepare our students for the careers of their choice.

I attended a dinner in Manchester hosted by the Chief Executive of the British Council, Sir Ciaran Devane, to discuss the role of universities. Of course, much of the early discussion focussed on the EU, but then we talked about the value of attracting international students to the UK as future ambassadors for the UK, and what we need to do to recruit and welcome them. The discussion included post-study work visas, marketing, business links and culture - not just arts and music but also history and sport.

At our Board Audit Committee, major topics of discussion were the many areas where we need to be compliant with external regulations, financial reporting and transparency, analysis of risk (Brexit now features prominently) and areas where we can improve efficiency and effectiveness.

I am very pleased to have been appointed the next President of the British Science Association, which is focussed on disseminating science across wider communities and showing the excitement of science. See:

On this topic - look out for Professor Brian Cox’s new series on BBC One next week (Monday, 4 July at 9pm):

Our new-look StaffNet has now launched and, having tried it out myself, I can declare it looks good. StaffNet is a hugely important channel, giving University staff who work online the information and resources they need to do their jobs well. Last year it received 3.8 million visits!

     

Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor

Feedback

Please send comments to: president@manchester.ac.uk