Skip to main content
News

University of London recognised by Times Higher Education for outstanding contribution to the local community

Date

Two community-focused initiatives in which the University of London performs a leading role have been jointly shortlisted for a prestigious award by Times Higher Education. The initiatives - London Anchor Institutions' Network (LAIN) and London Research and Policy Partnership (LRaPP) – each work to make the capital a fairer, greener and more prosperous city for its local communities.

A view of Greenwich, London, with two boys in the foreground

The University of London has been shortlisted as part of the THE’s annual awards ceremony in the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ category.  

LAIN brings together London’s major employers, purchasers, investors, and landowners. The initiative’s priorities are ensuring London achieves Net Zero targets, supporting small and medium businesses, improving mentoring for young people, and developing a workforce that reflects London’s diverse communities, and is fully supported by the Mayor of London’s office. Vice-Chancellor Professor Wendy Thomson is co-chair of the steering group.

LRaPP encourages universities to use their expertise and organisational resources to address pressing public policy challenges. LRaPP has staged two conferences on London’s role in levelling up the UK; consulted with boroughs and the broader policy community on research and innovation priorities; and commissioned research mapping youth mentoring across London.  

Professor Ben Rogers, who represents the University as part of LRaPP’s executive group, said: 

To be shortlisted for such an award is a real tribute to the many individuals and organisations involved in LAIN and LRaPP, which exist to bring universities and local communities, cities, and regions closer together as part of the civic universities’ agenda.  

The University of London is very much a part of the city, so it’s vital that it plays its part in making London a fairer place, using the expertise and resources at its disposal to reduce inequality, encourage diversity, and help the capital move towards a Net Zero future.

These are the 19th annual THE Awards (widely known as the "Oscars of higher education"), recognising excellence across the UK and Irish sectors. There are 20 categories in all, covering a wide range of university activity across leadership and management, administration, and academia. 

These awards focus primarily on activity during the 2021-22 academic year.          

THE editor John Gill said:  

We’re incredibly proud to host this biggest celebration of the sector, and particularly excited this year by the prospect of taking the final ceremony on the road for the first time. The ACC in Liverpool awaits on 7 December, and the THE team are all looking forward to seeing everyone there, and toasting your success.

The Times Higher Education award ceremony will take place on 7 December in Liverpool. 

This page was last updated on 13 November 2023