Strengthen collaborations across the globe
Our international collaborations have never been more important, we remain a global university.
- Imperial and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology created a new seed fund, partnering with institutions in Africa. The first projects will work on infectious disease, high-energy physics and eco-friendly refrigerants.
- Imperial and Tsinghua University launched a new energy research centre to tackle common challenges faced by the UK and China in providing secure, low-carbon power systems.
This year, Imperial will build upon these bilateral partnerships through a grant funded by Research England to establish data clusters with three of the world’s top institutions. The project, funded by Research England, will see Imperial partner with France’s National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) in mathematical sciences, Germany’s Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Computing, AI and robotics, and Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in technology and healthcare.
Work with industry to translate our innovative ideas into real-world benefits
We continue to earn our place as the most innovative university in the UK according to Reuters. In March 2019, the College took over the technology transfer activities stemming from our research, replacing the external arrangements previously in place with Touchstone Innovations, giving us more direct control over the impact our research has on society.
- The College’s White City Campus allows staff, students, alumni and commercial partners to convert research ideas into breakthrough products and services. The Imperial Incubator at the I-HUB provides offices, laboratory space and support for early-stage companies, such as Polymateria, an Imperial startup making biodegradable plastic.
- Our graduates continue to develop successful startups like Vivo Surgical in Singapore, founded and led by alumnus Kevin Koh, to develop innovative devices for surgical technology; and Aerobotics, co-founded by alumnus Benji Meltzer, to detect early tree pests and disease on farms based in South Africa.
Inform decision makers to influence policy
During this period of political uncertainty the College has had a strong voice in important debates and discussions taking place in the UK and in the EU. Our advocacy has focused on mitigating the impacts of Brexit on our community as well as influencing the future research and higher education landscape. This includes providing a dedicated Imperial and the EU website and regular updates for staff and students on key developments.
- Decision-makers in Westminster and Brussels were appraised of College priorities through evidence submitted to Parliamentary inquiries, visits from senior civil servants, MPs and Cabinet Ministers.
- The College played a key role in advocating for immigration reform through timely media interventions and close policy engagement with UKRI and the Royal Society. The government recently announced intentions for a new science immigration fast-track route and a new post-study work visa.
- The College launched a new policy engagement programme, to connect researchers with policy makers to discover new thinking on global challenges. The launch was supported by the government Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, and brought together representatives from academia, Whitehall and industry.
Share the wonder and importance of what we do
The College involves and engages school teachers and pupils, local community groups and residents, patients and the public more widely, through discussions and dialogue, festivals and data collection. Efforts to widen participation in education programmes helps attract the most capable students, and creates a more diverse community that represents society. It means being an anchor within local areas, providing the support that people need to improve their own skills and to engage with a scientific world.
- The College agreed a new five-year programme for widening participation with the Office for Students. This includes expanding the College’s successful outreach programme, STEM Potential, to areas outside of London.
- The Great Exhibition Road Festival is our flagship public event, a three-day celebration of the arts and sciences in South Kensington that attracts around 60,000 visitors. In 2019, we expanded the annual Imperial Festival and involved over 20 local institutions, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum and Science Museum.