What makes Loughborough a winning team?
Loughborough University Annual Review 2021
In 2021, the University was named ‘University of the Year for Sport’ in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022.
We were also one of the only universities in the UK to hold in-person, COVID-secure graduations, to celebrate our students’ achievements and secured 294 new grants to support research projects. At Loughborough we work together to succeed, showing that everything that happens across the University contributes towards making us a winning team.
After another year of challenges and uncertainty, we’re proud to be University of the Year for Sport, and we’re proud to be Loughborough.
This review provides a snapshot of what the incredible community here at Loughborough University has achieved during 2021. It shows what makes us a winning team and exactly why we’re proud to be Loughborough.
January
LIFE BACK IN LOCKDOWN
The country started the year in lockdown, meaning that our campuses fell quiet again and much of our teaching had to be delivered online. The University continued to support students in every way we could.
All teaching moved online once again, with our academic staff adjusting their sessions to keep students engaged and deliver the same high quality learning and support.
Staff at the University also supported students that needed it with resources such as IT hardware, software and internet connection.
The University Library and IT rooms also remained open for students without an appropriate place to study at home.
“Despite COVID-19, the University has been fantastic and I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here! The support has been excellent and I have always known that I have people looking out for my wellbeing; when we were isolating, we had constant food deliveries and staff checking we were OK. Whilst teaching was online, my lecturers tried their best to engage and make learning as fun as possible.”
NEW LEADERSHIP
Christine Hodgson CBE, Chair of Severn Trent, and a Loughborough alumna, became Chair of Council and Senior Pro-Chancellor of the University.
“I have wonderful memories of my time as a student at Loughborough. The University gave me not only the academic skills I needed to succeed, but also the life skills. I look forward to being part of the Loughborough family again and ensuring the University continues to go from strength to strength.”
– FEBRUARY –
New committee and advisory forum established to focus on equality, diversity and inclusion
Both are exciting and positive developments for the University’s aspiration of ensuring that Loughborough is an inclusive work and study environment with equity of opportunity for all colleagues and students.
March
WORLD-LEADING FOR SPORT
The University was voted the best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021, for the fifth year running. The University has taken the title ever since the league table was launched by QS in 2017. Loughborough was also ranked in the global top 50 for Library and Information Management and Art and Design.
BOOSTING BUSINESS WITH KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
The University excelled in Research England’s first Knowledge Exchange Framework, which looks at the performance of higher education providers in areas such as public and community engagement; working with partners ranging from big businesses to small local firms; and commercialising research.
April
BRINGING LIFE BACK TO CAMPUS
In mid-April students were able to start returning to campus. Measures were put in place to keep everyone safe, including regular asymptomatic testing for all staff and students.
Student wearing face mask during lecture
Student wearing face mask during lecture
IMPORTANT COURSES
The University launched two innovative new master’s programmes on climate change: MA Climate Change Politics and Policy and MSc Climate Change Science and Management, which went on to welcome their first cohorts in October 2021.
INCLUSIVE SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES
Wheelchair Basketball was announced as the University’s 60th sport by Loughborough University’s Athletic Union (AU).
“I hope that students with and without disabilities will seize this exciting opportunity to be part of something unique.”
Nik Diaper, Head of Para Sport
May
RESEARCH IMPACT
Loughborough researchers led on getting large scale events back up and running by creating guidance on how to design and operate non-domestic buildings to minimise the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses.
The government funded AIRBODS (Airborne Infection Reduction through Building Operation and Design for SARS-CoV-2) project was announced in May 2021, with trials taking place at the O2 arena, Wembley Stadium, and a nightclub event in Liverpool.
“This work will help get large-scale events up and running in a safe way, by providing scientifically proven information and advice on ventilation and building management, to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses.”
BOOSTING EMPLOYMENT
The University launched a new town centre Careers and Enterprise Hub in partnership with Loughborough College, to boost the local and regional economy as it bounces back from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
UK ANTI-DOPING MOVED TO LOUGHBOROUGH
The University welcomed UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) to campus, as the organisation began to relocate its headquarters to the East Midlands. The organisation will move from London to SportPark on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP).
"A permanent headquarters in Loughborough will be highly beneficial as it presents an opportunity to work with the university, athletes and sports based in the local area."
ONE YEAR OF MAIA
Maia, Loughborough University’s Women’s Network celebrated its one-year anniversary.
June
LEAGUE TABLE SUCCESS
The University ranked 7th out of 130 UK universities in the 2022 Complete University Guide. It is the sixth consecutive year that Loughborough has gained a top ten position. The University was also ranked top in the Midlands.
WOMEN IN SPORT BOOST
Loughborough Lightning launched a new franchise with a football team. This move doubled the number of squads under the franchise in just one year – after wheelchair basketball and cycling teams were launched earlier in the year.
SHOWCASING STUDENT WORK
Loughborough University’s School of Design and Creative Arts annual degree show returned as a physical exhibition in 2021, showcasing dynamic products that provide solutions to common issues in society – such as protecting the environment, compact devices for medical conditions, as well as remarkable textile designs, bold and bright graphics, and audacious fine art masterpieces.
July
MAKING GRADUATION HAPPEN
After graduation ceremonies were cancelled during the summer of 2020, the University gave both our 2020 and 2021 graduates the chance to celebrate their success, as one of the only universities in the country to run on-campus, COVID-secure graduation ceremonies.
Staff on campus at Graduation 2021
Staff on campus at Graduation 2021
HIGH STUDENT SATISFACTION
The University was ranked second* in England for overall student satisfaction, in the National Student Survey for 2021.
*Based on English HEIs excluding specialists, FECs and alternate providers
WORLD-FIRST SLOPE SIMULATOR AT LOUGHBOROUGH
The University announced it will create the world’s first large-scale slope simulator, thanks to a £500,000 grant from the Wolfson Foundation, which will revolutionise national and international research capacity in this field, to help build resilience to the increasing environmental risks caused by climate change.
“This is one of the most intriguing and important grants awarded this funding round. It is based around brilliant science and will be one of the only facilities of its kind – not just in the UK but beyond.”
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation
END OF ACADEMIC YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
RESEARCH
£45 million secured in new grants for research
294 new grants secured for research projects
SUSTAINABILITY
70% of overall waste was recycled compared to 29% in 2009/10
23% of waste was converted to energy, compared to 0% in 2009/10
STUDENT SUPPORT
Over £3m awarded in scholarships and bursaries to 1,129 postgraduate taught students in both Loughborough and London
Over £3.7m awarded in bursaries and tuition fee waivers to over 2,100 undergraduate students through the Loughborough Scholarship Programme
EVENTS AND FUNDRAISING
Almost half a million was raised by Loughborough Students’ Union Rag for local and national charities - taking the total to over £20 million since records began
Over 9,250 participants engaged with widening participation events/activities delivered by the School and College Liaison team
August
AWARDS SUCCESS
Loughborough named 'Best University in the UK' in the University Compare Top 100 universities 2022. The institution also placed top in the country for accommodation and course quality.
AWARD-WINNING STUDENT
A Loughborough graduate won the James Dyson Award after designing a life-saving device that rapidly stops bleeding from knife wounds. He was announced as the 2021 UK national James Dyson Award winner for his product REACT (Rapid Emergency Actuating Tamponade). Later in the year, Joseph was also named as one of three global winners of this year’s International James Dyson Award.
IMPROVING THE NATION'S HEALTH
CLiMB, the University’s Centre for Lifestyle Medicine and Behaviour, was launched to tackle preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes and several types of cancer and help improve the nation’s health.
OLYMPIC SUCCESS
Over 100 students, staff, alumni and Loughborough-based athletes travelled to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
September
LEAGUE TABLE SUCCESS
The University ranked 10th in both the Guardian League Table 2022 and the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. Loughborough was also the top ranking university in the East Midlands in both league tables. Other notable achievements across both tables included:
- Top three for course satisfaction (Guardian League Table)
- 2nd for student experience (Times and Sunday Times)
THE YEAR FOR SPORTING SUCCESS
Loughborough was also named University of the Year for Sport in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022, for the third time, in recognition of its unparalleled role in the success of the British Olympic and Paralympic teams in Tokyo.
ENTERPRISE SUCCESS
Loughborough University won four categories in the 2021 LeicestershireLive Innovation Awards, representing the impacts of pioneering engineering research and dynamic start-ups on the University’s Science and Enterprise Park.
The University received a record 13 nominations for the Awards.
Pete Hitchings Loughborough University Incubator Manager Jason Bradbury and graduate start-up winners Thomas Constant (BeoBia) and Tom Jelliffe (Tzuka)
Pete Hitchings Loughborough University Incubator Manager Jason Bradbury and graduate start-up winners Thomas Constant (BeoBia) and Tom Jelliffe (Tzuka)
ALUMNA JOINS UNIVERSITY COUNCIL
Loughborough Alumna Penny Briscoe OBE joined the University Council.
Penny Briscoe OBE
Penny Briscoe OBE
MOVING FORWARDS WITH A NEW COMMITTEE
The LGBT+ Staff Network announced their new committee who will be responsible for instigating changes to improve the experience of our LGBT+ staff, enabling all staff to bring their full selves to work, and raising awareness of LGBT+ history and people on our campuses.
LIFE BACK ON CAMPUS
Freshers’ Week 2021 took place – welcoming new students to both our Loughborough and London campuses.
Students on campus during move in week
Students on campus during move in week
– OCTOBER –
Professor Nick Jennings CB, FREng, became the ninth Vice-Chancellor and President of Loughborough University.
The new academic year also began – potentially the first full year on campus for many of our students.
November
LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY AT COP26
The University launched a COP26 campaign to highlight the work being done by academics and researchers at Loughborough, which supports the United Nation’s biggest climate change targets.
THE LOUGHBOROUGH CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABLE TRANSITIONS: ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT AND RESILIENCE LAUNCHED
A new £80 million centre that will give vulnerable populations in the Global South a voice, helping them to shape and benefit from the transition to sustainable energy, was launched by the University at COP26.
“Our aim is to develop world-class, agenda-setting research that supports delivery of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and services, that make business, economic, social and environmental sense.”
Pictured from the left are: Dr Simon Batchelor, Director of Gamos and visiting Research Fellow, Dr Long Seng To, Professor Mark Howells and Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Founder and CEO of TENN.
Pictured from the left are: Dr Simon Batchelor, Director of Gamos and visiting Research Fellow, Dr Long Seng To, Professor Mark Howells and Dr Kandeh Yumkella, Founder and CEO of TENN.
MAKING LOUGHBOROUGH A GLOBAL SPORTS HUB
A £9 million expansion was announced for SportPark on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP). After being announced in August, work to create a 2,000 sq m four-storey fourth pavilion started on site in November 2021. The project will be built to Passivhaus Classic Accreditation to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.
Image supplied by © David Morley Architects
Image supplied by © David Morley Architects
GRADUATE ENTERPRISE SUCCESS
A telecare company founded by a Loughborough University graduate has become part of The Access Group, a leading provider of business management software to UK, Ireland and Asia Pacific mid-market organisations.
The acquisition of Alcuris provides the Access Group’s Health and Social Care business with new technology that allows a step change in social care. Both companies are based on Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP).
Alex Nash, Founder of Alcuris and fellow Loughborough alumnus Jonathan Grace, Chief Technology Officer
Alex Nash, Founder of Alcuris and fellow Loughborough alumnus Jonathan Grace, Chief Technology Officer
“Alcuris has always shown outstanding potential. This acquisition is excellent news for Alcuris, LUSEP, the regional economy and the transformation of social care, and Alex’s entrepreneurial journey will inspire even more startups from the University’s student and graduate enterprise community."
Dr Jen Fensome, Loughborough University Director of Research and Enterprise
December
BOOSTING SPORTS PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT FOR SPORTS START-UPS
Loughborough University London and Sports Tech Hub announced a partnership to use tech innovation to increase participation levels in physical activity and sport, with the University also sharing their expertise and guidance through workshops, mentoring, events and pitching opportunities.
Colleagues from Loughborough University London and Sports Tech Hub at the recent London Sport Awards.
Colleagues from Loughborough University London and Sports Tech Hub at the recent London Sport Awards.
COMMONWEALTH GAMES
The University was named as an immersion camp for Team England, ahead of next summer’s Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
More information and examples of achievements and progress the University has made, can be found in the Financial Statements for 2020/21.
Share this page
Built with Shorthand