Position Statement from the University of London Re: Imperial College London

The University of London is a world class institution and it is regrettable that Imperial College, one of its 20 Colleges, has voted to explore the formal process of withdrawing from the University.

This formal process will require Imperial to go through a legal process of change.   Throughout this process, a number of the current arrangements between the University of London and Imperial will need to be scrutinised to ensure that the necessary transitional arrangements are put in place.

Imperial’s decision needs to be interpreted with caution and not necessarily be seen as the final separation from the University of London.   What this decision does is to set the wheels in motion for a separation by 2007 to coincide with Imperial’s 100th anniversary.   However, if after further discussions, Imperial should choose to remain within the federal University of London, they may do so and continue to provide the benefits to their students that they currently enjoy.

If Imperial finally withdraws, the University of London will accept that decision; and continue with its commitments to the remaining large multi-faculty and the smaller specialist, and internationally -renowned Colleges and central Institutes.  

Furthermore, the Vice-Chancellor’s consultation, the outcome of which was reported to the University Council in June 2005, made it clear that there is widespread support for the federal University of London throughout those constituent Colleges.   

The University of London, the third University established in this country in 1836, has grown and evolved over the years.   We are confident of its future. That is why we recently carried out the consultation exercise and are in the process of reviewing its governance structure to take it into the 21st Century.

For further information contact:

Binda Rai
Head of Communications, University of London
Tel: 020 7862 8005
Mobile: 0792 047 6483
Email: binda.rai@london.ac.uk