Investing for the future

Increasing staff and student mobility and investing in the University's infrastructure and facilities were two of the priorities outlined by the Vice-Chancellor in his first presentation to University Court.

Receiving the Annual Report and Financial Statements, the Court - which meets annually - heard first-hand about Professor Colin Riordan's plans for Cardiff in the years ahead.

Setting out his ambitions for Cardiff, Professor Riordan spoke of his aim for the University to consistently rank in the world top 100 universities and the top 20 in Britain, and of focusing attention on four key areas: student experience and education; international; research excellence; and engagement with Cardiff and Wales.

He also explained to the meeting how the move to the University's new College structure will provide greater accountability and cohesion across the whole institution.

Professor Riordan said: "Higher education is moving at pace and we must keep up. These priority areas, along with continued investment in our staff, students and campus will give each individual the support and resources they need to achieve their goals, and help put Cardiff ahead of its competitors."

During his speech, Professor Riordan paid tribute to his predecessor, Dr David Grant for his achievements during his tenure, and for putting in place foundations to ensure Cardiff remains a top research-intensive university.

He also reflected on some of the University's notable achievements from the course of the last year, including:

• The launch of the Arthritis Research UK Experimental Arthritis Treatment Centre , Wales' first research centre dedicated to developing new drugs and treatments to ease the pain and suffering of arthritis sufferers
• Hosting the prestigious Royal Academy of Engineering Summer Soirée which highlighted the crucial role of engineers in developing solutions to a diverse range of environmental, social, health and economic challenges.
• The 'Understanding the Value of Creative Citizens' project, led by Professor Ian Hargreaves of the School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies and Cardiff Business School will focus on the bedrock of the creative economy – creative citizens and transform the way that our communities interact with the cultural and creative economies of the UK.