West of England Mayor Helen Godwin recently visited the University of Bath for the first time, getting a closer look at how the University’s research, people and partnerships are helping to drive growth and opportunity across the region.
The visit, right at the start of 2026, offered a snapshot of the University’s role as a civic anchor institution – and how academic excellence translates into real-world impact, from supporting local businesses and creating high-value jobs to improving health, wellbeing and skills across the region.
Helen’s tour began in the Sports Training Village, one of the UK’s leading high-performance sport facilities. There, she explored the Hall of Fame celebrating athletes who have trained at Bath and heard about the University’s Olympic success in summer and winter Games.
Discussions also focused on how investment in elite sport, community participation and major sporting events delivers wider benefits for the region, boosting visibility and economic impact; as well as what underpins the University of Bath's recognition as Sports University of the Year 2026.
Next, at the Centre for the Analysis of Motion, Entertainment Research and Applications (CAMERA), Helen met researchers using cutting-edge motion capture technology with applications across healthcare, digital technologies and the creative industries.
The visit showcased how through CAMERA the University works closely with start-ups and SMEs, supporting the creative industries and contributing to the ambitions set out in WECA’s new Growth Strategy.
Students were also central to the visit. A roundtable with Students’ Union representatives explored how Bath students contribute to the region’s future, with discussion ranging from transport and housing to access to graduate employment.
The conversation highlighted the role of the Bath Student Community Partnership, which brings together the University, local authorities and partners to improve student safety, outcomes and relationships across the city.
The visit concluded with a brief overview of a new civic initiative built around the theme 'Education is Empowerment', developed with the Mayor of Bath, Professor Bharat Pankhania which was officially launched on campus that day.
Commenting, Helen Godwin, Mayor of the West of England, said: “The University of Bath plays a vital role in the West of England’s success. This visit showed how research and facilities mean real benefits for our region – from improving skills and creating new jobs, to boosting business and improving health and wellbeing for local people.
“Seeing athletes practising at the Sports Training Village and the work underway at CAMERA brought to life how the University connects with the wider region and beyond. Our universities are helping drive innovation and supporting our ambitious Growth Strategy – so that the West remains a great place to study, work, and build a future.”
Professor Phil Taylor, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bath, added: “We were delighted to welcome Helen to the University of Bath and to showcase our facilities and activities.
"Helen's visit was a great opportunity to demonstrate how our work aligns closely with the West of England’s growth ambitions, from innovation and skills to delivering inclusive and sustainable economic development right across the region.
"We look forward to welcoming Helen and her team back to Bath and to our Advanced Propulsion Centre (IAAPS) over the coming months and working closely with WECA."