News
Friday 24 March 2006
Annual Report Launch 2005
Creating a more inspiring working environment, increasing collaborative partnerships and widening access were three key themes highlighted at Nottingham Trent University ’s 2005 annual report launch. In an event attended by nearly 140 delegates, Vice-Chancellor Professor Neil Gorman spoke of the significant progress that had been made to strengthen the University’s profile as a leading 21st century institution.
During the course of six years, to 2010, the University is planning to invest some £130 million to create a more inspiring working environment for students and staff. An ambitious estates plan has already seen major changes across all three University campuses.
Among the landmark projects opened during 2005 were the purpose built, state of the art facilities for the School of Computing and Informatics at Clifton; excellent student residential accommodation at Brackenhurst; and the expansion and regeneration of the Bonington building for the School of Art & Design on the City campus.
And work to transform two of the city’s best known landmarks – the Newton and Arkwright buildings – took a major step forward this week when plans were approved locally by Nottingham City Council. The plans include the creation of state-of-the-art lecture theatres and learning and teaching spaces, as well as a vibrant glazed-roof atrium between the two buildings.
Another key milestone last year was the opening of Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) established in partnership with one of the world’s leading educational companies, Kaplan Inc. Over the next five years, the college aims to attract some 1,000 additional international students to the University to undertake its specialist pathway programmes.
The NTIC is one of a number of major partnerships created in 2005 that supports the University’s commitment to shaping lives and society – locally, nationally and internationally. Others include the unique collaboration with Anthony Nolan Research institute to develop its only ‘scientific research’ outside London at the University and joining forces with leading universities in Czech Republic and Poland to satisfy a growing demand for masters learning in European Business.
The University is also working closely with the University of Nottingham to develop a new veterinary nursing course, help student entrepreneurs grow their business ideas and deliver intensive training for government lawyers in Malaysia. The two universities are at the heart of far-reaching regional initiatives such as realising Nottingham’s vision as a Science City.
Widening access is another area where the University has excelled across its Schools over the last year. This includes a wide range of outreach work to address the challenge of increasing the supply of bright young science graduates for the benefit of the UK. Close partnerships are being nurtured with local schools and colleges and action packed events have been held to mark occasions such as National Chemistry Week.
Thanks to its teacher training courses, close relationships have developed between the School of Education and more than 300 primary and secondary schools – plus further education colleges – in the area. Those partnerships are strengthened by special events through which the School opens its doors to local school children and their teachers.
Major strides have been taken to enhance the active research culture at the University, helping in its goal to become a market-leader within the knowledge-driven economy. Research income has continued to grow as a result of support from a wide range of external funding organisations including UK research councils, the EU charities and industry.
A new competition launched in 2005 to offer fully-funded PhD studentships helped attract high-calibre applicants to the University. The awards went to nine exceptional individuals whose research will focus on a wide range of issues.
The University is maximising the use of new technology, enhancing learning resources and developing an inspirational, inclusive – and fun – community. The University’s Libraries and Learning Resources team is also making a major contribution by offering researchers state-of-the-art software to support their scholarly endeavours.
Nottingham Trent University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Neil Gorman, said: “This year has seen major successes for Nottingham Trent University – in both teaching and research and in employer engagement, and we are particularly proud of the outstanding success of our students and alumni in major national competitions.”
He added: “We have established a new organisational structure to enable us to seize new market opportunities; we have invested in new technology and modern working practices; and our estate is undergoing major transformation. Now, with a robust infrastructure in place, we can concentrate on furthering our academic vision.”
ENDS
An online version of the annual report can be seen here: http://www.ntu.ac.uk/annualreport/index.html
For more information please contact:
Dave Rogers, Press Officer, on Tel: 0115 848 2650 or via email: dave.rogers@ntu.ac.uk
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: 0115 848 6589 or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk
