Our Vice-Chancellor

13 May 2009

Last month, I began to write what I intend to be a series of regular communications explaining the impact on our University of the global economic crisis and setting out the measures we are putting in place to strengthen the University’s financial position.

First, let me restate our current position. Increased costs of staffing, pensions and utilities since the summer combined with a sharp decline in our commercial activities are putting a significant pressure on the University’s finances. However, I’m pleased to say that the cost savings and efficiency measures outlined in my last letter continue to prevent the deficit anticipated during the current academic year rising above £3 million. As we approach the year end it is obviously critical that we all continue to show restraint and that we avoid all non-essential spending.

12 May 2009

A fundamental aim in the University Strategy is to make Warwick an undisputed world leader in research and scholarship. Globally, Life Sciences research is witnessing unprecedented growth, driven by recent trends that promise radical progress in fundamental sciences and in application. The concept of “life sciences” itself is undergoing rapid change, covering areas of growing interest and relevance to the problems of sustainable development, climate change and health care. These changes have brought about a profound shift towards multidisciplinary research in the Life Sciences.