30.09.2005
Professor Julian Crampton (pictured right) joins the university as its second Vice-Chancellor. Previously Julian was Professor of Molecular Biology and Special Adviser to the Vice Chancellor at the University of Liverpool, where he held a range of senior appointments including Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor. His extensive experience of strategic leadership includes research, third-stream initiatives, finance and personnel. A graduate of the University of Sussex, Julian is looking forward to returning to Brighton. Julian outlines why he joined the university...
New beginnings…
I’m really pleased to be here as the Vice-Chancellor of Brighton,
as it is such an exciting university. I’m impressed with the high
quality of our teaching, the access we give to people from a whole variety
of backgrounds, and the way we are embedded within the city and the region.
It is very clear that universities can play a big role within their communities.
Brighton is already a leader in this field and I’m keen to build
on our success as I did in Liverpool through, for example, initiatives
on skills for business, the Liverpool Science Park, and the new business
incubators.
What excites you about the role?
Brighton is one of the best new universities, with a wonderful reputation
for its high quality teaching provision and excellent research. I
want to build on this foundation to explore new opportunities for
the university. For example, I am particularly interested in applied
research, it is vital that the university exploits its research activity
and encourages opportunities for businesses, staff and students.
Third stream activity is something that I’m passionate about.
At Liverpool I helped develop aspects of the Northern Way initiative
by bringing together eight research-intensive universities to work
collaboratively in supporting regional development.
I’m also very keen to work in partnership with others where there is ‘real added value’. In particular I would aim to ensure that our good, strong relationships with partner colleges, local authorities, hospitals and the NHS are further developed. Partnerships between the universities are also important – Brighton and Sussex both have different strengths, but are quite complementary, and there are real benefits for both institutions through working together in key areas.
What do you feel are the major challenges on the horizon?
Recruitment has been very successful this year. Admissions are up 18
per cent against a national average of 8 per cent. We are a very
popular university, we have a wide range of courses which are vocationally
focused and are very relevant. There is also a continuous sense of
dynamism – the
university is always looking for new opportunities within its provision
of courses to remain distinctive.
Fees are a potential issue, and we must continue to communicate the message that people won’t have to pay fees up front, and there will be a wide range of grants and bursaries in place to help students. We also need to ensure that the student experience remains high and that students are at the heart of everything we do.
How do you feel about coming back to Brighton?
The fabric and the feel of the city have remained the same – it
is a dynamic and an exciting place to be – that hasn’t
changed. There is now an even greater sense of enthusiasm within Brighton
and the wider region and it almost feels that I’ve never been
away. I really enjoyed being here before so it was wonderful to have
the opportunity to return.
What do you like about the region?
I like the relationship between the city, the region and the sea and
I also love the
countryside and the environment. The population is very diverse and
there is always something exciting going on. We are very lucky to have
campuses in great locations such as Eastbourne and Brighton. The Brighton
festival is great and projects the city on to an international level.
What
are your interests?
I enjoy music and want to take advantage of opportunities within the
Brighton Festival. I also like hill walking, photography and sailing
and the environment particularly as a biologist.
and finally...
I am really looking forward to meeting more of you and getting involved
in the university community, and I wish you good luck in the new
academic year.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton,
01273 643022
