Making headlines
The University of Greenwich has been leading significant projects and collaborations that demonstrate our commitment to innovation and creating positive social change. This overview captures our most remarkable achievements over the past twelve months. Here and throughout The 1890 we highlight some of these incredible stories but you can read all our latest news via our website.
Powering progress: Greenwich's £800 million annual contribution to the UK economy
A recent report by Mickledore reveals our substantial contribution to the UK economy, generating nearly £800 million annually. For every £1 spent, the university creates £5.50 in economic return, demonstrating remarkable efficiency.
With 2,528 staff members, Greenwich is a significant regional employer. The university generates an estimated £341 million in annual tax contributions, highlighting its economic significance.
- Firstly, it examines our role in driving innovation and economic development in our local area, alongside our teaching and research objectives.
- Secondly, it highlights the economic impact of our operations, from purchasing goods and services to the diverse contributions of our student and staff communities.
- The third section showcases our wider societal and environmental impact.
- Finally, it reveals our substantial fiscal contributions to the UK treasury.
Beyond traditional educational roles, Greenwich emerges as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress. Its multifaceted contributions extend far beyond academic boundaries, driving prosperity and innovation across the United Kingdom.
This comprehensive study underscores the university's critical role in national economic development, transforming educational investment into widespread economic and social benefits.
University of Greenwich rebrands to University of GreenWitch ahead of Wicked movie
Between 12-22 November, the university temporarily changed its name to 'University of GreenWitch' to celebrate Universal Pictures' new spectacular cinematic event, Wicked, which soared into cinemas on 22 November.
As part of this magical transformation, the borough rebranded to the ‘Royal Borough of GreenWitch’.
Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of the University of GreenWitch, said: “I am delighted to announce that the university is rebranding to the University of GreenWitch for the next two weeks to celebrate all things Wicked and the magic of higher education.”
Year of action for sustainability
In February we kicked off a transformative year of action, reaffirming our commitment to a more sustainable future. Already ranked First Class in the People and Planet University League Table 2023, Greenwich is taking bold steps to embed sustainability across all aspects of university life.
Since 2009, we’ve cut carbon emissions by 62% and we recently invested in zero-carbon heat pumps at Avery Hill campus, slashing gas consumption by two-thirds. A new fleet of zero and low carbon buses connect our campuses, while disposable cups became a thing of the past in 2023.
Students across Greenwich, Avery Hill and Medway campuses engaged with a rewards app for planet-friendly actions, participated in clothing and furniture swap events, and joined a green champions programme offering training and volunteering opportunities.
The curriculum saw a significant shift too. Over 50 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, from Business Management to Chemistry and from Law to Quantity Surveying, incorporate a sustainability focus. This change prepares our graduates for the growing green sector workforce.
Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and CEO, emphasised the university's commitment: "We have made a strategic commitment to be more sustainable, which builds on the strong foundation that we have established in recent years. We have a university-wide approach which embeds sustainability and taking real action for a greener future into all aspects of what we do. This green-first agenda will really help us on our journey to net zero."
On 12 November, we published our Sustainability Strategic Action Plan, which sets out our ambitions in this area.
You can also join our newly launched community for alumni working or interested in sustainability.
"We have a university-wide approach which embeds sustainability and taking real action for a greener future into all aspects of what we do. This green-first agenda will really help us on our journey to net zero."
Greenwich leads the way as first menopause friendly university in England
In a landmark achievement this year, Greenwich proudly became the first university in England to be accredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer. This prestigious recognition, awarded by Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace, underscores our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all our staff.
The Menopause Friendly Accreditation is no small feat. It required us to demonstrate excellence across five key areas: culture, policies and practices, training, engagement, and working environment. An independent panel rigorously assessed our efforts, ensuring we met the highest standards in supporting colleagues through their menopause journey.
Our dedicated Menopause team has focused on breaking taboos, normalising conversations about menopause, and providing crucial support and information within the workplace.
Gail Brindley, our Executive Director of People, expressed pride in this accomplishment: "Whilst we acknowledge there is always more to do, this accreditation serves as testimony to the progress we have made to ensure that we are and will continue to be a Menopause friendly employer."
Building futures through collaboration
Greenwich established several strategic partnerships in 2024 to enhance student opportunities and community engagement. In September, we partnered with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to deliver tennis workshops for teacher training programmes and create work opportunities within their network.
October brought partnerships with Woolwich Works, providing Events Management internships; ITRM, offering STEM work experience; and Punchdrunk theatre company, creating placements for underrepresented students in the creative industry.
In technology, TechInsights collaborated to provide engineering students with expert insights and internships, while Alcatel Submarine Networks offered scholarships and placements for MSc Data Science students.
November saw partnerships with BiKBBI to address construction sector skills gaps, while our sponsorship of the Blue Earth Summit connected students with sustainability innovators. Meanwhile, our partnership with Charlton Athletic Football Club continued to provide valuable sports management experience through successful Takeover Days.
Our long-standing partnership with Charlton Athletic Football Club continued to flourish, with successful Takeover Days in October providing students with practical experience in sports management and event operations.
These partnerships reflect the university's commitment to enhancing student employability, fostering community engagement, and creating valuable industry connections across various sectors.
Greenwich study reveals football's power to transform prisoners' lives
Cutting edge research led by Dr Martha Newson, Associate Professor of Psychology, has shed light on how football can significantly improve prisoners' wellbeing and social relations. The study examines the impact of the Twinning Project - a partnership between HM Prison and Probation Service and professional football clubs - and offers compelling evidence of sport's potential to aid rehabilitation.
Key findings from the study of 164 UK prisoners include:
- Increased life satisfaction, with participants reporting satisfaction rising from 74% to 89%.
- Improved self-efficacy, with those believing they could achieve their goals rising from 29% to 41%.
- Greater identification with the Twinning Project, increasing from 76% to 86%.
Dr Linus Peitz, first author of the study, emphasised the broader implications: "Boosting wellbeing among inmates can help make prisons safer environments for everyone, including staff and the entire prison population."
The Twinning Project, now implemented in over 70 prisons across the UK and internationally, aims to improve prisoners' self-esteem and employability through coaching and football qualifications.
Celebrating 50 years of innovation: The Wolfson Centre's half century
This year, we proudly marked a significant milestone as we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology. From its humble beginnings in 1974 as a department within the School of Engineering at Thames Polytechnic, the Centre has grown into a world-renowned hub of expertise in handling powder and granular materials.
Led by Director Professor Mike Bradley, a Greenwich stalwart since 1988, the Wolfson Centre has become synonymous with cutting-edge research, invaluable consultancy, and industry-focused short courses. Its journey from three industrial units in Woolwich to its current home in Medway reflects not just physical growth, but an expanding influence in the field of bulk solids handling technology.
The Centre's impact is evident in its impressive track record: around 50 PhD students have successfully completed their studies under the mentorship of its staff since the early 1980s. These scholars have contributed to groundbreaking research in areas such as Pneumatic Conveying, Silo Design, Wear, and Characterisation of Particulate Materials.
The celebrations were a testament to the Centre's prestige, with the Mayor and Mayoress of Medway as guests of honour. The event brought together industry partners, former colleagues, and future collaborators, showcasing the Centre's pivotal role in bridging academia and industry.
New research institute at Greenwich champions inclusive and interdisciplinary innovation
Greenwich has launched the Institute for Inclusive Communities and Environments (ICE) within its Faculty of Liberal Arts and Science. The institute represents a significant commitment to fostering inclusive, impactful, and collaborative research across disciplines.
Under the leadership of Professor Tracey Reynolds as Director and Professor Maria Arche as Deputy Director, ICE comprises six research centres that serve as incubators for innovative research in creative industries, humanities, and social sciences. These centres bring together diverse disciplines to address contemporary social and environmental challenges.
The launch event featured distinguished speakers including Professor Mike Savage from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and Jude Kelly, CBE, founder of the Women of the World Foundation.
"The launch of this institute is a celebration of research excellence and innovation," noted Professor Reynolds, emphasising the institute's commitment to addressing important social and environmental challenges of our time through interdisciplinary collaboration and inclusive partnerships.
Pictured: Professor Tracey Reynolds
Greenwich secures £9 million to lead world-class computer modelling
In January, the university awarded £9 million from Research England's Expanding Excellence in England (E3) fund, positioning the UK to become a world leader in high-performance computer modelling. This ground breaking initiative will tackle rapidly emerging societal and environmental challenges.
The funding will unite and expand two of Greenwich's award-winning multidisciplinary teams: the Fire Safety Engineering Group (FSEG) and the Computational Science and Engineering Group. Together, they'll create large-scale, interactive real-time simulations using high-performance computing enhanced with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and mixed reality.
Professor Ed Galea, Director of FSEG, emphasised the project's significance: "The E3 funding will generate the scale and pace for a quantum leap in UK computer modelling capacity and capability that will be unique in the world."
This initiative will address crucial issues such as physical security, urban resilience to disasters, energy security, sustainable manufacturing, and climate change mitigation. It's a testament to Greenwich's commitment to world-class research with tangible impact.
Greenwich spearheads £2.8 million coastal resilience project
The university is spearheading TRACC (Transformative Research Actions for Resilient Coastal Communities), a ground-breaking £2.8 million project to strengthen UK coastal community resilience.
Led by Professor Tim Acott and Aberystwyth University's Professor Jasper Kenter, this initiative has secured funding from major organisations including UKRI, Defra, ESRC, NERC, and AHRC.
The project focuses on four key regions: Mid-North Wales, the Humber Estuary, Lough Foyle, and the Firth of Clyde, addressing critical challenges from flooding to housing affordability. Professor Acott's team employs an innovative methodology, bringing together local communities, decision-makers, and researchers to co-design sustainable solutions.
TRACC will establish a UK-wide 'Resilience Assembly' to ensure long-term impact beyond its four-year duration. As part of UKRI's 'Transforming Tomorrow Together' strategy, the project contributes to a broader £24.3 million investment in environmental resilience, positioning Greenwich at the forefront of national environmental initiatives.
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