This year marked a milestone for Loughborough as it celebrated its 40th anniversary since the award of its University Charter. Though this anniversary gave us the opportunity to take pride and pleasure in our history, the year has also been notable for hard work on planning for our future, to consolidate our position as one of the country’s leading higher education institutions.

In January we welcomed Professor Shirley Pearce as the University’s seventh Vice Chancellor. She has brought to Loughborough qualities that are admirably suited to taking the University through the next phase of its development.

A major task this year has been the preparation of the University’s next corporate plan, setting out our vision for the institution over the next five to ten years. The world in which we operate will continue to be subject to rapid change, the nature of which may be difficult to predict. Our new strategy not only sets out our vision but also provides a framework for operation that will enable us to respond speedily and positively to opportunities and challenges as they appear.

Success relies on competent governance and a major review of the effectiveness of Council was undertaken this year, with the help of Brian Manley, a former member of our Council. Although he and we thought that we have a sound structure, we identified some changes that we think will improve our effectiveness.

There have been many achievements of note in 2006, just a few of which are highlighted in our Report. The University’s research profile continues to flourish, with its five new interdisciplinary research schools a catalyst in its growth. This cross-boundary approach has been driven by society’s increasing need for applied solutions to real-world issues. Loughborough enjoys a well-earned reputation for its research relevance, a factor that is instrumental in our continued success in attracting external funding.

Commercial potential is at the heart of much of Loughborough’s research and we possess a proud track record of fostering innovation. The University has just appointed its first Pro Vice Chancellor for Enterprise, reflecting our aim to build on our achievements in knowledge transfer and enjoy the greatest possible benefit from our intellectual assets. The University is also soon to welcome its first-ever Director of Marketing, who will ensure that, in an increasingly competitive environment, Loughborough is able to capitalise on its many strengths.

Universities make a significant contribution to the sporting agenda and nowhere is this more evident than at Loughborough. Lottery-funded investment in world-class facilities at the University over the past four years has already paid huge dividends in the performance of Loughborough’s sports men and women who, between them, brought home thirty medals from this year’s Commonwealth Games – a truly remarkable achievement. The Government’s announcement of a £300m funding package to help support Britain’s medal hopefuls in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics was particularly welcome. We look forward to working closely with our partners in sport in supporting the country’s athletes, both now and in the future.

As well as considerable success, the year has brought challenges for both students and staff. National disputes over pay and pensions threatened our ability to graduate our students on time. However, dialogue and cooperation from all sides at Loughborough ensured that our students’ examinations were little affected, and our summer graduation ceremonies proceeded as enjoyably as ever.

We are confident for the future, but are not complacent. In the competitive environment that all universities now face, we are determined to build on our successes and ensure that Loughborough continues to play its distinctive role both nationally and internationally.

Sir Bryan Carsberg
Chairman of Council and Senior Pro Chancellor