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The University of Glasgow and our inspiring people have been changing the world for more than 570 years
Adam Smith laid the foundations of modern economics. James Watt gave power to the industrial revolution. Ian Donald showed us the first ultrasound image of a foetus. Jocelyn Bell Burnell discovered radio pulsars.
Today, our inspiring people continue to change the world for the better. Our six cross disciplinary areas of world-class research are shining examples of what we do best at Glasgow, each one combining a drive for pushing the boundaries of knowledge with a commitment to making a positive impact on the world:
addressing inequalities
cultural & creative economies
precision medicine & chronic diseases
one health
future life
the nano & quantum world
Changing the world is not only about making discoveries and creating new technologies. Informed leaders, creative thinkers and bold business minds have honed their skills at Glasgow. The talents of some of the UK’s most influential political figures have been nurtured here. Award-winning writers have developed their craft. Human rights activists have gained their voice.
We are a place where the synergy between our research and teaching inspires ambitious people to succeed. A place where inquiring minds can develop their ideas. A place where talented people are given the space to realise their dreams.
Most importantly, we are open to the world. Our doors are open to the brightest minds, regardless of background, who wish to study at university. We are open to collaboration and the exchange of knowledge with other universities, government and business.
To continue to be a world-class and progressive university, we are dedicated to bringing inspiring people together to change the world.
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Outstanding research
Glasgow is a place where inquiring minds can develop their ideas. A place where people make discoveries that change the world.
Our researchers show curiosity, openness, a strong social commitment and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Our six crossdisciplinary areas of research illustrate the breadth
Outstanding learning and teaching
We create an inclusive environment where students develop meaningful relationships with one another and with staff and, through those encounters, create new knowledge, challenge received wisdom, build inter-cultural and leadership capabilities, and develop disciplinary excellence and an appetite for lifelong learning and enquiry.
Our learning and teaching is shaped by the values, creativity, ambition and commitment of students and staff, needed to support them to thrive in a rapidly shifting, internationally competitive higher education sector.
We promote, encourage and enable more pervasive engagement with student-centred active learning approaches
We transform curricula and assessment in ways that address the societal challenges that we face globally, reflect our values of inclusivity and integrity, draw on best practice in teaching and assessment, and embed work-related, professionally recognised learning opportunities for students
We work in partnership with students to support their development as flexible and adaptable graduates who can work effectively with others to bring disciplinary skills and knowledge together to form creative solutions to complex world problems.
Outstanding professional services
Our Professional Services are a key enabler for the University to deliver the institutional strategy, World-Changers Together: World-Changing Glasgow 2025, and the core thematic strategies – Learning & Teaching, Research, Innovation, Civic Engagement, Glasgow Green, and the International Strategy.
Our goal is to ensure that support for these activities and for strategy implementation is first-class in every respect. We want our services to be outstanding in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, and to work as one team regardless of which Service or College members of staff are based in.
At the same time, we aim to create an environment which attracts and retains the most able and ambitious professionals. We aspire to give every individual the opportunity to develop their full potential. The people-centred values embodied in World-Changers Together will govern our behaviours and be our guiding light as we work together for the good of the University.
World changing campus
In 2017, the University launched an ambitious initiative to transform a14-acre site, adjacent to our main campus, into a hub for teaching, learning, civic engagement, and research. This Development Programme is one of the largest campus expansions in the UK.
Despite the challenges faced due to the global pandemic, the University has successfully completed four state-of-the-art academic buildings: the James McCune Smith Learning Hub (JMS), the Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Centre (ARC), the Clarice Pears Building, and the Adam Smith Building. These facilities, along with newly developed expansive public spaces and supporting infrastructure, have become a key part of both the University and the Glasgow West End communities, transforming the area into a welcoming neighbourhood in the heart of the city.
As we enter the next stage of the Campus Development Programme, various teams across the University are actively shaping how further investment in our physical realm will continue to enable our world-changing research and teaching. Currently, we are embarking on the Keystone Building development while also exploring additional locations for future expansion. At the same time, we are investing in our ongoing programme of campus refurbishments.
Our city, our partnerships
We work with companies and organisations throughout the city to co-design solutions to create real, lasting impact and opportunity in Glasgow and beyond. Our staff and students are engaged in strong, enduring research and community partnerships to improve health, boost the economy, build a better future and celebrate the achievements of those living in Glasgow.
The University is a key player in the city’s ambitious plans for the regeneration of the River Clyde and in the development of a Glasgow Riverside Innovation District (GRID), which is helping to transform some of the most deprived areas in Scotland.
Our researchers are helping the city move towards climate resilience while tackling health, social and economic inequalities by working in partnership with Glasgow City Council on a £10.2 million research programme.
Our IntoUniversity learning centres have opened in the heart of some of Scotland’s most disadvantaged communities as a practical response to the poverty and educational limitations that can impact the lives of young people growing up there.
Senior Management Group
The Senior Management Group advises the Principal as chief executive officer of the University on matters of policy. It also advises Court and Senate on matters of strategic policy (academic and resource), and acts on a day-to-day basis to implement the policies of Court and Senate.