Universities UK Chief Executive hears how specialist institutions drive forward innovation

Posted 26 February

The work of specialist institutions in driving forward scientific and technological innovation has been underlined to the Chief Executive of Universities UK in a visit to Harper Adams University.

Chief Executive of Universities UK, Vivienne Stern MBE, was welcomed to the University’s Edgmond campus for a visit focused on the vital role specialist universities play in leading growth for both their region – and the sectors they serve.

Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan said: “We were delighted to welcome Vivienne Stern back to Shropshire for a productive visit which gave her a flavour of the work we do – and the reason Harper Adams is such a special University.

“She met with the University’s senior leadership team to discuss strategic priorities and future opportunities for collaboration, and we talked Universities UK’s engagement with the UK Government – as well as the increasingly critical contribution universities make to their local communities, regional economies, and the global challenge landscape.

“We explained not only the work we have been doing as a long-erm specialist provider – but also some of the ways in which we’re helping shape the future of the sectors we serve ensuring they’re at the cutting edge of innovations such as data science and artificial intelligence.

“During the visit, Vivienne emphasised that UK universities matter now more than ever. She highlighted their integral role in supporting economic growth, addressing fundamental challenges such as food security and sustainability, and driving social mobility nationwide through education, research and innovation.”

Throughout the day, Ms Stern toured several areas of the campus, including a visit to Harper Food Innovation, where she took part in a student-led sensory testing session – led by a student whose final-year research is looking at the suitability of duckweed as a sustainable, nutrient-rich future food source.

The visit also included stops at the Veterinary Education Centre and the Companion Animal House, where Ms Stern observed the University’s hands-on teaching approach and its clinical facilities which are supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals.

Her tour concluded at the University’s Future Farm, where she heard about its sustainable farming practices and drive towards Net Zero, and the way it works in three intersecting ways – as an award-winning commercial farm, which also provides industry-aligned education and applied research.

Ms Stern said: ““It was great to see the work that Harper Adams is doing in areas of significant national and global importance, including sustainable farming and foods of the future.

“Harper is a perfect illustration of why the diversity of our university system is something to be proud of and celebrated. It was also good to see the joint Veterinary School, a collaboration with Keele University, bringing the best of what both universities have to offer together to create a fantastic offer for students.

“With such a strong political focus on how the sector can collaborate to make the most of distinctive strengths, this is a lovely example of what can be done, and how it can benefit both universities involved”

Professor Sloan added: “The visit provided an opportunity to highlight Harper Adams University’s strengths, to reinforce its commitment to tackling global challenges in food security, animal health and sustainable agriculture – and to discuss some of our future plans and how they will benefit both our region – and the sectors we serve.”