UCL and IoE set a date for union

UCL’s council officially approved its decision to merge with its Bloomsbury neighbour at a meeting on 20 October.

The merger will be finalised by the IoE’s council when it meets on 25 November with a view to formally rescind the institution’s charter.

Michael Arthur, president and provost at UCL, said the latest decision “marks another important step towards a merger that both our institutions believe will deliver significant advances in the field of social sciences and education”.

“The combination of the IoE and UCL can be much more than the sum of their parts,” said Professor Arthur.

The merger will allow new research collaborations and curriculum developments, as well as extending UCL’s influence and reach, he added.

This week’s decision confirms the announcement made in February that the two institutions supported the idea of a merger following a strategic partnership, which began in October 2012.

jack.grove@tesglobal.com