What makes Loughborough a winning team?


Loughborough University Annual Review 2021

Rugby game at university

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.

Student Services offered 18,940 appointments to students supporting them to remain well during a really difficult time

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.”
Student review from studentcrowd.com

NEW LEADERSHIP
Christine Hodgson CBE, Chair of Severn Trent, and a Loughborough alumna, became Chair of Council and Senior Pro-Chancellor of the University.

Christine Hodgson
“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.”
Christine Hodgson CBE, Chair of Council and Senior Pro-Chancellor at Loughborough University.
Frost on campus in winter

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.

Loughborough staff and students taking part in the Pride march on campus

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.

best university in the world for sports-related subjects in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021

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.

top 10% of all English HEPs for the ‘Working with business’ metric • top 20% for ‘Local growth and regeneration’.

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.

Around 90% of students were accessing campus testing every week – higher than any other UK university (Spring 2021)
Spring on campus
Student in lab space
Students wearing face masks during teaching session
Students wearing face masks during lecture
Student walking past the fountain on the Hazlerigg lawn

Student wearing face mask during lecture

Student wearing face mask during lecture

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Student in lab space
Students wearing face masks during teaching session
Students wearing face masks during lecture
Student walking past the fountain on the Hazlerigg lawn

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.

Climate change sign

INCLUSIVE SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES

Wheelchair Basketball was announced as the University’s 60th sport by Loughborough University’s Athletic Union (AU).

Wheelchair basketball at Loughborough
Spring on campus

“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

students participating in wheelchair basketball

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.”
Professor Malcolm Cook, Dean and Professor of Building Performance Analysis, School of Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
Stock image of people at a concert

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.

'Careers and Enterprise Hub is now open' sign

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).

UKAD on campus
"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."
Nicole Sapstead, Chief Executive, UKAD

ONE YEAR OF MAIA

Maia, Loughborough University’s Women’s Network celebrated its one-year anniversary.

Group now has over 500 members / Over 30 remote events delivered during 2020/21

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.

7th in the Complete University Guide 2022 out of 130 UK universities

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.

Loughborough Lightning cycle team

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.

Summer on campus
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
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Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021
Student work at the Art and Design Degree Show 2021

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.

47 ceremonies held across a two-week period / over 6,400 students celebrated graduation

Students on campus at Graduation 2021

Staff on campus at Graduation 2021

Staff on campus at Graduation 2021

Student on campus at Graduation 2021
Students on campus at Graduation 2021
Student with family on campus at Graduation 2021
Students on campus at Graduation 2021
Students on campus at Graduation 2021
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Staff on campus at Graduation 2021

Staff on campus at Graduation 2021

Student on campus at Graduation 2021
Students on campus at Graduation 2021
Student with family on campus at Graduation 2021
Students on campus at Graduation 2021
Students 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.

Landslide
Summer on campus

“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

Landslide

END OF ACADEMIC YEAR HIGHLIGHTS


RESEARCH

£45 million secured in new grants for research

294 new grants secured for research projects

Rolls Royce and University working together at NCCAT

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

Squirrel on waste bin on campus

Squirrel on waste bin on campus

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

Students outside on campus

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

Students taking part in colour dash

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.

Best university in the UK - University Compare Top 100 universities 2022
1st for course quality and best accommodation in the UK - University Compare Top 100 universities 2022

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.

CLiMB logo

OLYMPIC SUCCESS

Over 100 students, staff, alumni and Loughborough-based athletes travelled to Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Loughborough-associated atheletes won 14 medals in the Olympic competition / 21 medals were won by Loughborough-associated athletes in the Paralympic competition
summer on campus

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)
Top ten in the Guardian League Table 2022 and Times and Sunday Times 2022

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.

Proud to be Sports University of the Year

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)

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

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.

LGBT+ Staff Network Committee

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

Students on campus during move in week

Autumn on campus

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.

Professor Nick Jennings CB FREng

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.

More than 100 media appearances worldwide for the University's COP26 campaign
More than 130 people read the campaign's Conversation pieces / Coverage included BBC News, Sky News, BBC World Service and Radio 5 Live

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.”
Professor Mark Howells, Co-Director for STEER
STEER group at launch event

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

£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.

SportPark building - artist's impression with fourth pavillion

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).

Nash Founder of Alcuris and and fellow Loughborough alumnus Jonathan Grace, Chief Technology Officer

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

Autumn on campus

“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

MemoHub technology

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.

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.

Team England logo

More information and examples of achievements and progress the University has made, can be found in the Financial Statements for 2020/21.



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Winter on campus