In just sixty years, the University of Bath has developed into one of the UK’s leading universities, with rapidly growing global recognition and impact.

This achievement alone is extraordinary.

But – more than that – the talent, hard work and dedication of thousands of people over those sixty years have created a very special place. One where the quality of our education is held in equal esteem with the impact of our research. One in which our foundation as a sociotechnological university continues to help us solve real-world problems today. Where our students enjoy one of the best experiences in the country, along with some of the top employment outcomes in the UK. A place where community and ambition combine to encourage performance excellence.

The world has changed enormously since we were founded. We face multiple and overlapping challenges globally, but also rapid progress and new opportunities to find social, environmental and technological solutions.

In the face of these challenges and opportunities, we cannot stand still. And we cannot assume past strategies for achievement will continue to be successful or sustainable in the future.

To deliver our vision and mission in an uncertain world with significant financial pressures requires real focus and agility. We must harness our strengths and focus on fewer priorities to a high degree of excellence and impact. We also need to embrace strong partnerships with industry, government, other universities, philanthropic partners and civic organisations as never before. This strategy creates an enduring framework to better enable our talented staff, students, alumni and partners to excel at what we do best - unlocking potential to create better futures.

Throughout our strategy, we will hold firm to our vision, mission and values. The role of universities is no less than to transform the world through creating new knowledge, shared and delivered through our education, research and innovation. Higher education institutions remain vitally important – perhaps never more so than now.

At the University of Bath, as we mark our 60th anniversary year, we look ahead as a confident, outward-facing university. And we set out three bold ambitions, so we can use our distinctive strengths in education, research and innovation to respond to the challenges we face, sustainably and with real impact, in the years ahead.

Professor Phil Taylor

Vice-Chancellor & President