Vice-Chancellor's Report
Achievement, quality and people
have underpinned the many and diverse activities of the University in
2001/2002.
Achievement in learning and
teaching, research and third mission has enabled the University to continue
to provide the best possible support for students, business, external
stakeholders, and, crucially, for the City and the region. Through excellence
in these areas and the forging of new partnerships and relationships,
the University continues to contribute to the economic regeneration and
prosperity of the District.
 Our
pioneering Clinical Sciences
course, spearheaded by Life Sciences
and the School of Health Studies in conjunction
with Leeds Medical School, is just one example of this spirit of co-operation
and achievement in action.
In other areas too, partnerships
continue to flourish. Our close relationships with the City of Bradford,
the National Museum
of Photography, Film and Television and with partners regionally and
nationally have provided a strong focus for our work in both the local
and the wider business community. Following the publication of Lord Ouseley's
race review report, these relationships have been important in helping
bring communities together and in raising aspirations and levels of achievement
in the City and our communities.
Investment in facilities,
including £7.5 million in campus refurbishment and improvements, has enhanced
the learning and working environment. HEFCE's Restructuring and Collaboration
Fund helped support work around the creation of a campus that underpins
the academic profile of the University in a way that will deliver real
benefits to students and the region. In parallel, significant work has
been undertaken in addressing issues of importance to both students and
staff via detailed questionnaires and surveys, the results of which will
underpin our strategy development in coming years and help prioritise
future investment in services and the estate.
 Our
commitment to our students was also made apparent in new guidelines, 'A
Learning Community', which aimed to enhance and enrich the experience
students have whilst studying and living in Bradford. Innovation and vitality
in this area is evident across the University, not least in our work in
widening participation, in developing new and exciting courses, and in
our outreach and community work.
The most striking development,
however, has been the launch of a new vision for Further and Higher Education,
"Looking Further and Higher",
in which the University and Bradford College set out to explore how closer
collaborations might lead to a unique form of institution not seen elsewhere
in the UK. This work has now provided the blueprint for a full merger
of the two institutions, and work continues to be ongoing. The University
has made substantial and important progress this year and will continue
to do so through the energy and commitment of its staff.
We enjoy a wide social base,
firm foundations in teaching and research excellence and a responsive,
vocationally driven portfolio through which we reflect our commitment
to 'Making Knowledge Work'. From this excellent platform, we will respond
positively to the coming challenges.
Professor Chris Taylor
Vice-Chancellor
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