October 18, 2017, by Liz Cass

University of Nottingham joins Global network to strengthen entrepreneurship and social engagement

The University of Nottingham has joined the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU).

Nottingham is a global, research-intensive university that further strengthens the ECIU international research network. As well as its main base in the UK, Nottingham has campuses in Malaysia and China.

Strong and Inspiring Vision

With the University of Nottingham the ECIU gained a new partner with a strong and inspiring vision on social engagement. The University of Nottingham Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience, Professor Sarah O’Hara shared that vision and experience at a recent meeting of the Rectors of ECIU institutions.

As an innovative, entrepreneurial and internationally oriented university, with close links to its home city and the surrounding region, the University is a natural fit with the profile of other ECIU members. It was voted 2017’s University of the Year for Graduate Employability.

“The University of Nottingham has had university-industry relations in its mission statement for almost 90 years. In this way, the university combines an excellent scientific track record with entrepreneurship and innovation. Add to that the extensive relations the university has with Asia, and I am sure this new member will strengthen ECIU as a whole”, says Victor van der Chijs, President of the ECIU.

Global research

The University was founded as University College Nottingham in 1881. It is a significant university in the UK, with around 34,000 students and 9,000 staff. There are many similarities with the ECIU members regarding the entrepreneurial mindset of students and staff, and the innovative approaches to education, research development, and internationalization. Nottingham’s experience in operating two large-scale campuses in Asia adds an interesting international dimension to the network.

Six global Research Beacons drive the University’s research agenda and spread from food security to healthcare, future transport systems, and the development of green chemicals. Ranked 8th for ‘Research Power’ amongst all UK Universities, Nottingham’s research work is globally relevant and at the leading edge of discovery.

The ECIU network

The ECIU is a collaboration between 12 universities and one associate member in Mexico. The research-intensive universities aim to create societal impact through innovation and creativity. The University of Nottingham is the only British member.

Posted in Internationalpartnerships