Strategy 2025

I am delighted to share with you our vision for the next five years of our journey as world changers together.

This strategy is the result of extensive consultation amongst our community, starting in the winter of 2018-19, a time in which the world looked very different. Much has changed in a year, and much will continue to change in ways that we cannot fully predict over the period of this plan. We know that on the domestic stage we will have to adapt, not only to the impact of a pandemic, but also to the consequences of our country’s changing relationship with the rest of Europe. Globally, we will have to use the collective strengths of our disciplines to build coalitions, collaborations and partnerships to tackle the major societal challenges brought by increasing inequality, future threats to human health, the rise of technology and automation, and the existential threat of climate change.

Our vision is of a University characterised by the closeness of its community, the strength of its connections and the incredible potential unleashed by its collaborative spirit. Our response to the pandemic has shown that our University is more than a motto or a crest or even a tower on a hill: it is exceptional people brought together by a shared purpose, shared values and the desire to make a difference.

Together we have met the adversity of recent months with extraordinary dedication, courage and ingenuity, using our collective and diverse skills to support our civic partners and the wider Glasgow community in dealing with the resultant economic and social impacts. Over the next five years, we will build on these strengths and draw on the power of collaboration to make our University synonymous with discoveries, innovations and leadership of global importance, building:

• an outstanding student experience that reflects our diverse and internationalised community
• a world-class learning environment infused with interdisciplinary learning opportunities
• a world-leading research culture in which people and careers will thrive
• a resolutely international, innovative and partnership-led approach to changing our world for the better.

The University of Glasgow has left permanent footprints along the trail of history; it is the birthplace of modern economics, the crucible of the scientific and industrial revolution, and the wellspring of pioneers in the struggle for human rights and social justice. But more importantly, it is the home of the world changers of today and tomorrow - and I look forward to us walking the path ahead together.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli
Principal and Vice-Chancellor