The University is launching a project to accelerate its performance in research and teaching that will support its aim of moving into the world’s top 100 by 2026.
The University has a strong track record and reputation and remains highly regarded for particular strengths. For example, our research capability in infectious disease, advanced materials and personalised medicine is internationally renowned, while the University’s teaching programmes demonstrate our global vision by offering a unique range of opportunities for students in the UK, online and overseas.
However, in overall terms the University’s research performance has improved at a slower rate than comparator institutions’ and our recent Bronze rating in the first Teaching Excellence Framework was disappointing. As a university, we have aspirations to significantly improve on our current top 200 position in recognised world rankings.
In support of our strategic aims and in response to the challenges we face, we are launching a project to increase the pace of the improvements already taking place. This will include reshaping our academic staffing profile, enabled by the launch of a voluntary severance scheme for academic staff, and making substantial investment in teaching and research priorities.
The scheme aims to allow more than 220 staff to leave through this scheme. In turn, the initiative will enable us to invest in key areas and support colleagues across the University in accelerating improvements in the quality of our research and teaching.
Staff departures will be planned for the end of this academic year (31 July 2018) to avoid any disruption to teaching and assessments.