I am delighted that you are considering applying for the role of Vice-Principal (Research & Innovation) at Queen Mary University of London, and hope the information in this online brochure will increase your interest in working with us.
Queen Mary is a world-leading university at the forefront of research and innovation, and also providing world-class education, across the disciplinary spectrum. In the most recent UK assessment of research activity in universities, Queen Mary was ranked 5th in the country amongst multi-faculty institutions for the proportion of our research outputs that were world-leading or internationally excellent. That world-leading research feeds directly into our teaching and, importantly, we have a genuine and strong track record in public engagement, with a commitment to shaping society, health and well-being and the economy.
Queen Mary is an international institution - we have five campuses in London, alongside a campus in Malta, a presence in Paris, and significant activity across China. In London we have 162 nationalities represented on our campuses, creating environments where students, staff, visitors and the local community have the opportunity to understand, learn from, and respect the diverse cultures found throughout the globe, as well as acting as a local and national gateway to the rest of the world.
We can trace our roots as an educational institution back to 1785, when The London Hospital Medical College was founded. In 1887, the People’s Palace was established at Mile End, a philanthropic organisation designed to bring culture, leisure and education to the East End. Core to our founders’ beliefs at the time was that the institution should be open to all irrespective of their religion, class or position in society. This is a fact that remains true today and forms the bedrock of this University.
From these origins, we have evolved into a world-leading University, with a truly distinctive character. We have a highly diverse student body for a Russell Group university, with 91% of our students from a state school background; 60% from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic groups; and 42% are the first from their family to go into Higher Education. We truly provide world-class education and opportunities to all students who have the potential, irrespective of their background.
It is this diversity in our student profile, alongside our research excellence and our deep engagement with our local communities, that makes Queen Mary unique and such a special place to work and study.
Following the achievements made under the leadership of Professor Bill Spence, we are seeking an experienced and visionary leader to take our research and innovation strategy to the next level and to continue to grow our global reputation. This growing reputation for research allows us to attract the best staff and students, generate inward regional investment, and to build lasting relationships with other universities, institutions, businesses, governments, future students, supporters, donors and alumni.
Research leadership and activity is fundamental to Queen Mary’s future success, enabling us to tackle global challenges, create social and economic benefits, contribute to cultural development and create opportunities for the next generation, in an ever-changing national and international environment. We are looking to recruit a senior and distinguished academic to lead the next phase of our research strategy during a period that is challenging for the sector but also presents considerable opportunities for an institution such as Queen Mary. These webpages outline some of the initiatives we are already undertaking with respect to further enhancing our research strength and profile. We have a clear ambition to expand both the scale and geographical scope of our research activity, whilst making no compromises on academic quality, ethical standards, diversity, inclusiveness and collegiality, which are all of fundamental importance to us.
As a member of our Senior Executive, the Vice-Principal (Research & Innovation) would be accorded the authority to shape and implement the research strategy, fully supported by me, the rest of the Senior Executive, and the Council. We are looking for a candidate who will be genuinely excited by what makes Queen Mary unique and by the challenges and opportunities of its future as a global university.
A commitment to our values is as important as academic leadership of the highest order. Thank you for your interest and I wish you well in your application.
Professor Colin BaileyPresident and Principal