Our new strategy will shape a future where science truly serves humanity

In my last column in this magazine, I stated that Imperial’s star is rising. The start of 2024 has shown just how brightly that star is shining.

Chief among my highlights so far has been the publication of our new strategy: Science for Humanity, which sets out how Imperial will maximise its potential as a force for good.

I want to thank all of you who took part in our wide-ranging consultation. Your ideas and vision were inspiring as we drew this document together. I am proud to say that this strategy reflects the purpose and priorities of our staff, students and global Imperial community.

Much work is already underway to implement this strategy and its nine core initiatives. We will feature these in more detail in future issues of Imperial. Plus, this issue is still packed with examples of how our community is already driving forward this agenda

On Enabling Talent, the future we are building is committed to nurturing the brightest minds from every corner of the globe, regardless of background, empowering them to become the problem-solvers our planet desperately needs. We discuss nurturing the next generation of Helen Kemp Porters and Abdus Salams, or the medical pioneers on page 46, not just with exceptional education, but with the resources, connections and support they need to make a real difference.

Beyond nurturing talent, we are powering research by creating fertile ground for groundbreaking discoveries. We’re fostering an environment where collaboration thrives, where cross-disciplinary teams of engineers, medics, scientists and business minds tackle global challenges head on – whether it is producing a synthetic chromosome for yeast cells (page 20) or teaching AI to prove mathematical theorems (opposite).

We’re fostering an environment where cross-disciplinary teams tackle global challenges head on. Professor Hugh Brady President

Finally, the best discoveries are meaningless if they stay locked away in labs. We want to amplify impact by taking our incredible research and translating it into real-world solutions. In this issue of Imperial, we explore the world of sustainable aviation (page 32), where Imperial academics, students and alumni are translating research into innovative and sustainable solutions that benefit society.

This strategy is not just about the future of Imperial; it is about shaping a better future for all. We, as a global community, have a responsibility to use our combined knowledge and expertise to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.

I hope you find the stories in this issue both inspiring and informative. And I hope you will join us on Imperial’s exciting journey as we put our new strategy into action – as alumni, as partners, as ambassadors – to shape a future where science truly serves humanity.

I couldn’t end this column without sharing my praise for our brilliant team of University Challenge winners (featured on page 8). The Imperial team – comprising captain Suraiya Haddad, Sourajit Debnath, Adam Jones and Justin Lee (supported by reserve Mattia Elkouby) – won the final by an astonishing margin of 165 points. A tremendous win, which now makes Imperial the most successful team in the quiz’s history!