Our narrative
Our narrative is a reminder of what Queen Mary stands for as an institution and of the unique story of the University, from its origins in the 1100s to its current status as a global community for excellence in teaching and research.
How to use the Queen Mary narrative
The narrative synopsis is to be used internally as a reference point for the messages that we want to communicate about our University. This will support the University’s reputation by conveying a consistent image of Queen Mary.
I believe we all share pride in the diversity and inclusive nature of our University. We don’t, however, see it as an end in itself. For this reason, our narrative focuses on the ‘diversity of ideas’, as we believe our University demonstrates that when a variety of communities, thoughts and opinions come together, truly great things are possible. What follows is our ‘master’ synopsis, which articulates our narrative and helps each of us to engage with and live our unique story. It also acts as the foundation for all forms of communication. From this we have developed our new University ‘boilerplate’, for use whenever and wherever we have the opportunity or need to describe who we are. We have also provided guidance on how to create a boilerplate for any externally facing part of the Uni— Dr Maggie Leggett, Director of Marketing and Communications
The Queen Mary narrative synopsis
Diversity. It’s a word you hear all the time nowadays.
At Queen Mary University of London, diversity is genuinely and deeply ingrained. Throughout our history, we’ve fostered social justice and improved lives through academic excellence. And we continue to live and breathe this spirit today, not because it’s simply ‘the right thing to do’ but for what it helps us achieve.
Of course we believe in the vital, moral importance of inclusivity and social mobility – our exceptional student demographics speak for themselves. But, even more than this, we embrace diversity of thought and ideas for the intellectual brilliance it delivers.
Indeed, since the establishment of the People’s Palace, which invited people from all backgrounds to study together, we have always known that a collection of unique voices will blend to generate more exciting and inspiring results. That focus on people is exemplified by Barts and The London, our faculty of medicine and dentistry, which dates back to the 1100s and was established to improve the health of the inhabitants of east London. It’s now one of the leading names in medical academia, world-renowned for its teaching and research.
We know from experience that diversity is a potent catalyst for groundbreaking ideas: in conversations in corridors snatched between lectures; when science and the humanities work together; and between students who grew up round the corner and those from the other side of the world.
Our reformer heritage informs our conviction that great ideas can and should come from anywhere. It’s an approach that has brought results across the globe, from the communities of east London to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.
We continue to embrace diversity of thought and opinion in everything we do, in the belief that when views collide, disciplines interact, and perspectives intersect, truly original thought takes form.
The moral of the story: Diversity of ideas helps us achieve the previously unthinkable.