As we head towards a new year, we round up some of the University’s highlights from 2019.
TV and radio presenter Adrian Chiles helped launch the Liverpool Centre for Alcohol Research in January. Bringing together experts from the University, Liverpool John Moores University and local NHS trusts, the centre works on the advancement of alcohol-related research and education.
The Prince of Wales and the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins signed a joint patronage agreement for the Institute of Irish Studies at a ceremony which took place in the University’s Victoria Gallery & Museum. A Joint Patronage Lectureship in the guests’ honour was also announced to build further on scholarship in this area.
In March, plans were unveiled for a new musical performance space to enrich the cultural life of the city. Due to open in 2021, the facility will house a 400-seat auditorium with space for a 70-piece orchestra. It will also be the new home to the Music Department’s popular Lunchtime Concert Series.
The University launched its £1billion Estate Masterplan Strategy in April, outlining the vision for its estate over the next fifteen years and beyond. The Masterplan includes a wide range of new build and refurbishment proposals to enhance teaching, research and impact and student life space on the University’s campuses.
In May, three University researchers were awarded prestigious Future Leaders Fellowships to pursue ambitious and adventurous research programmes in the fields of glaciology, particle physics and quantum computing. This success was followed in September with a further two Future Leaders Fellowships awarded to researchers in volcanology and archaeology.
With funding from the Office for Students and in partnership with local social enterprise Agent Academy CIC, the University launched an innovative new digital skills training programme to improve employment prospects for local graduates, provide the digital skills that local employers demand.
The University’s proud and long-established track record of civic engagement was celebrated in June with the launch of a report showing our contribution to Liverpool City Region (LCR) as an economic catalyst, a key employer and a driver for health, culture, heritage and innovation.
A pioneering collaboration between universities, NHS, local government and third sector partners across the North West Coast received a £9m boost to tackle health inequalities in the region. The funding will help to develop health solutions for the future, enable greater independence for patients and improve the health of communities.
Call the Midwife creator Heidi Thomas, actor Stephen McGann, space scientist Dr Matt Taylor and internationally-renowned artists the Singh Twins were among eleven esteemed figures to receive honorary degrees and fellowships from the University of Liverpool in July and December.
Affordable housing costs, alongside good employment opportunities and a youthful population, helped Liverpool to be named the ‘best place in Britain to be a young graduate’ by the Sunday Times in August.
BBC Radio 4’s flagship Today programme was broadcast live from the University in October. Presenter Justin Webb and guest university panellists discussed a range of topics in front of a live audience at the Liverpool Guild of Students.
Liverpool ocean scientist, Professor Alessandro Tagliabue, was one of the lead authors of an Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, which warned on the impact of climate change on oceans and frozen areas.
The first newly established longitudinal birth cohort to be funded in the UK for almost 20 years was announced in December. The ‘Children Growing-up in Liverpool (C-GULL)’ project will help improve the lives of children and their families within the Liverpool City Region.