National recognition for our universities

Keele University and Staffordshire Universities have been recognised as the country’s best in a top national sector awards ceremony.

Both with shortlisted in the top six place in yesterday’s Times Higher Education Awards, University of the Year category.

LEP chairman Alun Rogers said having both of the area’s universities ranked as the best in the UK was an outstanding achievement. He added:

It’s fantastic news that both of our universities have been recognised nationally for their quality in both academia and professional services in these top industry awards.

This is of course no surprise to us as both are active members of the LEP with each leading one of our sub-groups. They have both played an integral role in the development of our local industrial strategy and will be critical for our economy and our communities in our post-pandemic recovery.

They attract the very best talent from our area, across the UK and internationally. Importantly we can retain these people in the roles being created at both sites and across the county. Both benefit from our attractions as an area, from the strong industry sectors we have built up such as R&D and digital, to our superb connectivity.

We have seen excellent results from our partnerships and supported them through the Local Growth Fund. These include the Smart Innovation Hub at Keele and the Digital Shed at Staffordshire. Most recently Getting Building Fund allocations will support the development at Keele’s Innovation Centre 7 and Staffordshire’s Health Innovation Centre.”