Brunel University to join University of London

Brunel University London has announced that it will join the University of London, becoming the 17th member of the federation.

In a statement, the institution said the move would open up new opportunities for collaboration between universities in the capital.

From 1 October, Brunel will join the other independent higher education providers within the University of London, which all award degrees separately but collaborate on a range of initiatives including transnational education programmes, online learning, research and knowledge exchange.

Wendy Thomson, vice-chancellor of the University of London, said Brunel’s “impressive education and research portfolio”, particularly in engineering and sciences, would enable the federation to achieve even greater impact across London and beyond.

“Brunel’s strong ties to west London communities and industries will also expand the federation’s civic reach, allowing us to increase engagement with this vibrant part of the capital,” she added.

Brunel’s addition to the federation is the first since City, University of London in 2016. This institution is in the process of merging with St George’s, University of London, to become City St George’s, University of London. Brunel will therefore become the 17th member of what is an already 17-strong federation.

Andrew Jones, vice-chancellor and president of Brunel, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be joining such an esteemed and historic federation of research-intensive universities.

“Brunel’s international outlook, diversity, research excellence and industry-facing education will strengthen the University of London’s global reputation, and bring many new and exciting opportunities for collaboration with other member institutions.”

A University of London panel that made the decision acknowledged that Brunel’s commitment to addressing the needs and challenges of society aligned well with the University of London and the social mission of the federation.

It was hoped that the public research university’s position as an “anchor institution” in west London would help expand and deepen the federation’s engagement with local communities across the capital.

patrick.jack@timeshighereducation.com