New Durham University strategy
We are working closely with Durham University to enhance its positive contribution to the North East. Recently, the University launched its new Durham University Strategy 2017-2027.
Professor Stuart Corbridge, the Vice-Chancellor, explores the University’s role in the North East.
Durham University is one of the world’s great universities and one of the most distinctive. As well as being a truly global university, with links around the world and 150 nationalities represented among our staff and students, we are very proud of the positive contribution we make to our host communities, Durham City and Stockton, and the wider North East of England.
A recent independent study found that we are worth £1.1 billion a year to the UK economy and support 13,600 jobs – including more than £600 million and 10,330 jobs here in North East England.
Our culture related activities play a crucial role in making Durham an attractive place to study, work, live, visit and invest. We also make a significant social contribution, including through our staff and student volunteering, schools outreach and sports partnerships.
Our world-leading and world-changing research, while improving lives across the world, also has real impact close to home, as can be seen through our pioneering partnership with the Auckland Castle Trust, with whom we are working to create The Zurbarán Centre for Spanish and Latin American Art in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.
Whether it is partnering with innovators in industry, collaborating with cultural leaders in the arts or supporting local good causes, our impact goes way beyond Durham University.
But we want to do better still. We want to be an active partner in regional, national and international debates, tackling issues big and small, locally and globally, for the good of our communities, region, nation and the world. We aspire to be a University that produces jobs, innovation and prosperity – and in doing so, play our part in delivering the North East LEP’s Strategic Economic Plan.
In particular, we will be creating new highly skilled jobs – increasing our academic staff by 300 in the period to 2027; working with Business Durham and Durham County Council to develop the third phase of NETPark; and supporting the establishment of more spin-out firms, building on the success we have had in the past with companies such as Kromek, P2i and Ikon Science.
Durham University Strategy 2017-2027 includes ambitious proposals to ensure our long-term sustainability and deliver world-class research, education and wider student experience.
It is a very exciting time to be part of, or indeed connected to, Durham University. And my invitation is: partner with us. Together, we can be So Much More.
Read more about Durham University’s strategy.