Vice-Chancellor's Report
Innovation and attainment have
been hallmarks of the University's many and diverse activities during
2002/2003.
Excellence in teaching, research
and in the range of new initiatives and developments at the University
have ensured that we have continued to provide the very best support for
our diverse range of stakeholders. Our students have benefited from high-quality
teaching and research, reflected in a 16% increase in undergraduate admissions
in September 2002, whilst our Third Mission, consultancy and wider research
activities have played an important role in helping both business and
the wider economic regeneration of the District.
 Innovation
has also played a key role in shaping a new and exciting period for the
University. From world-leading firsts in new course development with Animatronics
and Dementia, to the visionary
creation of the new multi-million pound Institute
of Pharmaceutical Innovation, Bradford has clearly restated its commitment
to 'Making Knowledge Work' for the District, Region and beyond.
The development of new Foundation
Degrees and the launch of our Compact Scheme,
designed to widen participation and raise aspirations, are other examples
of our commitment to accessibility to Higher Education. With a strong
focus on social inclusion, the University continues to lead in the field
of widening participation, achieving above Government targets in a diverse
range of communities. Underpinning this commitment is research of the
highest standard, much of it centred on making a real difference to communities
locally and across the globe in areas as distinct as health and science,
engineering, IT and the social sciences.
 The
many achievements of the University during the course of the year are
a genuine reflection of the hard work and commitment of our staff. Underlining
this, achieving recognition as an Investor in People (IiP) in April 2003
paid testament to this hard work. The University was especially gratified
to be the first pre-1992 university in England to achieve IiP recognition
as a whole institution. Achieving the Standard, a measure of good practice
for the training and development of staff, was one of the aims of our
Corporate Plan and provides a blueprint for the continued emphasis we
place on developing and supporting our workforce.
Whilst the proposed merger
with Bradford College did not come to fruition, much of the collaborative
work undertaken will help shape the University's future direction and
new Corporate Strategy. We are entering a dynamic and exciting period
of significant growth and development in the period 2004-9. In doing so,
our key objective will be to anticipate and meet the requirements of our
students, delivering high-quality courses as well as providing support
and facilities which will contribute to success. We will continue to promote
the benefits our students and staff derive from living and working in
a diverse multicultural environment, and we will work with our partners
in the city and region to encourage economic and social regeneration.
Professor Chris Taylor
Vice-Chancellor
|
