Imperial's response to the Browne Review

Rector Sir Keith O'Nions' response to the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance - <em>News release</em>

Imperial College London statement

For immediate release
Tuesday 12 October 2010

Following the publication of Lord Browne's Report (the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance), the Rector of Imperial College London Sir Keith O'Nions said:

"Lord Browne's recommendations are comprehensive and fair. There may be debate over the means, but the direction we are travelling in is clear. He has rightly ruled out a graduate tax as unworkable in both principle and practice.

"We expect fees to increase nationally, including at Imperial College London. For admission to our courses in science, engineering and medicine, we will continue to search for and select the most academically able, high quality students from across the world. We will make the fullest use of our own resources to ensure that all students who may benefit from our courses are attracted to apply. If fees go up so will our financial aid to the neediest.

"In this era, students expect the quality of their experience at university to match the reputation of the degree they achieve at the end of their course. As part of Lord Browne's student choice proposals, we will ensure that prospective students are well informed about the educational experience offered at Imperial and the enhanced employment opportunities open to graduates taking one of our courses.

"Ensuring long term sustainability is a serious challenge to Britain's best universities. The risk is that they will not be able to compete in the world's premier league. Imperial and its alumni and supporters do not wish to see that happen. We welcome Lord Browne's proposals that will make it both easier and more beneficial for supporters to give and we will ask all who have benefitted from the excellence of an Imperial education to help make it possible for those who have yet to.

"We are currently planning a long-term campaign for philanthropic support focused on scholarships and financial aid at Imperial College. Our goal is to build the resilience of an endowment to give Imperial the sustainable basis to attract the brightest and the best in the world, for generations to come."

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About Imperial College London

Consistently rated amongst the world's best universities, Imperial College London is a science-based institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching and research that attracts 14,000 students and 6,000 staff of the highest international quality. Innovative research at the College explores the interface between science, medicine, engineering and business, delivering practical solutions that improve quality of life and the environment - underpinned by a dynamic enterprise culture.

Since its foundation in 1907, Imperial's contributions to society have included the discovery of penicillin, the development of holography and the foundations of fibre optics. This commitment to the application of research for the benefit of al l continues today, with current focuses including interdisciplinary collaborations to improve global health, tackle climate change, develop sustainable sources of energy and address security challenges.

In 2007, Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust formed the UK's first Academic Health Science Centre. This unique partners hip aims to improve the quality of life of patients and populations by taking new discoveries and translating them into new therapies as quickly as possible. Website: www.imperial.ac.uk