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

Welcome to my final research update for 2023. I have hugely enjoyed my first few months back at Nottingham. As deputy exec chair for the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and as a chief scientific adviser I enjoyed an overview of the research across the UK.  

In my first few months in this role, I have been hugely impressed by just how much excellent research we deliver at Nottingham. There is much to be proud of at our university.   

I would like to share some highlights of the year and news of further support for researchers in 2024.  

My sincere thanks to everyone in our research community for their dedication, hard work and goodwill in delivering the following achievements and thanks to Professor Sam Kingman, who as Interim Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange provided the leadership to help the research community produce such fantastic research results.   

I would like to highlight the energy and commitment of everyone in Research and Innovation. In 2023, while adjusting to R&I’s new structure and systems, and coping with UKRI’s own overhaul of funding systems, they have been instrumental in helping our research community deliver so much.    

Research awards

Research and research-related awards were £209.2m for 2022-23, exceeding the target for the financial year and we’re on track for another excellent performance for 2023-24.  

Back in Horizon Europe

A highlight of 2023 is the UK’s rejoining of Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship scientific research programme, which allows scientists and researchers to apply for funding from the £81bn (€95bn) scheme.  

Our funding successes, before and following September’s announcement, are due to our researchers continuing to engage with Europe and the diligence of professional services in helping to secure bids. 

Successes in 2023

Outstanding teams are behind all we achieve. There are too many to mention, but highlights include:  

Research project of the year

Congratulations to Dr Barbara Morera and Professor Stephen Jackson, from the School of Psychology, the School of Medicine’s Professor Georgina Jackson and all the team who scooped the STEM Research Project of the Year at the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards. They have developed and commercialised a watch-like device that delivers rhythmic electrical pulses to the wearer’s wrist, with the aim of reducing the verbal and physical tics associated with Tourette’s. 

Silver Engage Watermark

The university has been awarded a prestigious Silver Engage Watermark by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement. The watermark recognises the university’s commitment to involving the public in its work and the sharing of knowledge, teaching and research.  

Athena Swan Gold Award

Nottingham became the first university in the country to be awarded the coveted Athena Swan Gold Award for its commitment to advance gender equality across higher education and research.  

With sincere thanks for your support during 2023 and best wishes for a restful winter break,  

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

Read Professor Rodden’s full update