The University of Warwick is officially kicking off its 60th-anniversary year today, 1st January 2025, marking six decades of transformative education, research, and innovation.

Starting with the Festival of Innovation later this month and culminating in the spectacular Global Illuminations Light Festival in November, the University is coming alive with a vibrant programme of events throughout the year to commemorate its founding in 1965.

Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President of The University of Warwick, said, “As we prepare to mark the University’s prestigious 60th anniversary in 2025, it is the ideal moment to also reflect on our legacy.

“At The University of Warwick, we are proud of our rich heritage as a world-class leader in education, research and innovation, locally, nationally and internationally.

“However, whilst this is an opportunity to take stock of the achievements of the past six decades, it is also a chance to renew our commitment to a further 60 years of innovation and collaboration.

“The celebrations will foster a positive, lasting impact for years to come as we look ahead to a future that is defined by our transformational spirit.”

As the milestone anniversary begins, the University invites students, alumni, staff, and the wider community to join in celebrating its remarkable journey and looking forward to an inspiring future.

The 60th-anniversary celebrations highlight the University’s continued commitment to creating a better world, together.

Key events include:

The Festival of Innovation and Grassroots Growth Summit (27th January 2025)

Taking place at Warwick Arts Centre, this interactive event showcases cutting-edge work in Clean Tech, Health Tech, Agri Tech, and CreaTech.

The festival features hands-on exploration of innovative projects, celebrates founders excelling in the University’s innovation ecosystem, and connects entrepreneurs and businesses with experts.

The Grassroots Growth Summit engages industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators driving change through innovation.

Resonate Days Out

This year-long programme sees the Warwick Institute of Engagement team hosting daytime and evening events in collaboration with community organisations.

These events, held across Coventry, Warwickshire, and the West Midlands, include partnerships with centres in Canley and Foleshill, among others.

Science Art Collision: Poetry Trail (May 2025)

Opening in May, this unique trail features poems by poet-in-residence Sujatha Menon inspired by the research of Gibbet Hill’s female science academics.

It will include a collaborative poem with Foleshill Community Centre members. Each piece is paired with a prologue highlighting the scientific insights that inspired the poetry.

In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats (Autumn 2025)

This immersive virtual reality experience revisits the Coventry and West Midlands rave scene, where experience-seekers will embark on an adventure, reigniting the anticipation, trepidation, excitement, and euphoria that surrounded the Acid House movement.

The show will provide a multi-sensory journey via an immersive exhibition, interactivity and simulation and help to showcase the University’s strength of cultural programming. The exhibition will be visiting Warwick Arts Centre in Autumn 2025.

The Global Illuminations Light Festival (November 2025)

A collaborative celebration of the University’s international community, involving students and staff from over 147 countries. This event will transform campus buildings into a vibrant eco-friendly light spectacle.

Featuring projection mapping, a global soundtrack curated by students, and an International Light Procession.

With even more events and activities to be announced, Warwick’s 60th anniversary reflects its commitment to delivering a world-class education in a diverse, inclusive, and innovative environment.

For more information, visit the University of Warwick 60th Anniversary web pages.

ENDS