Professor Tom Rodden’s research update

In my first update of the year, I’d like to share my sense of optimism for 2024, news of successes, opportunities and support for research at Nottingham – and reaffirm my commitment to our research community at a challenging time. 

The higher education sector is facing unprecedented financial pressures and here at Nottingham we face additional challenges around our estate. 

You can hear about these challenges and discuss the university’s response at a series of roadshows led by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Jane Norman and Chief Financial Officer Margaret Monkton. 

As Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange, I remain passionate about supporting you in the delivery of excellent research. Our university plays a pivotal role in addressing global challenges and driving local economic growth. That mission will not stop and in 2024 we will be further working with researchers and research-focused professional service colleagues to improve your experience and enhance our research culture and infrastructure. 

EU Strategy Group

Looking ahead to 2024, The UK’s association to Horizon Europe is hugely significant. A new EU Strategy Group will help secure opportunities for our academics to further collaborate with European partners, win funding from the European Research Council and host post-docs under the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships. 

We enjoyed success with more than 30 projects while the UK’s association was in doubt but post-Brexit uncertainty has undoubtedly impacted the confidence and knowledge base of our academics around European funding.

The EU Strategy Group will support faculties in engaging with Horizon Europe and map what’s needed to strengthen our European funding portfolio, as well as benchmarking the university’s performance. 

With my very best wishes thanks for your support 

Professor Tom Rodden
Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange 

Read Professor Rodden’s full update