International Standing Committee - Reports

The 2025 ISC programme concluded with presentations by Chris Cox Vice-Principal Philanthropy and Executive Director of Development and Alumni, and Professor Christina Boswell Vice-Principal Research & Enterprise on Monday 12^th May. 

Key points from Chris Cox included:

1. There is a range of ways in which the university engages with alumni, including events and delegation visits, student recruitment and clubs, groups and regional connections.
2. The DigestEd and other communications are circulated regularly with news to equip connections as ambassadors for the University.
3. 650 recent alumni Ambassadors provide points of contact in a variety of locations for new graduates to keep in touch with the University.
4. The Insights programme is proving to be very successful and is well supported by alumni
5. The alumni team keep a large database of alumni, and can segment by location, by post grad or undergrad subject, etc. a large number of post grads are based outside of UK. This analysis helps focus engagement with alumni to support the strategic interests of the University.
6. The team effort aims to keep in contact with 75-80% of alumni

Professor Christina Boswell’s presentation and remarks helped focus the conversation further onto how the international engagement already discussed, helps achieve the University’s Research and Innovation strategy, including strengthening bilateral partnerships, focus on industry collaboration and commercialisation and the development of an ethical framework, led by Professor Boswell, to guide research in sensitive areas such as defence and security, in the context of geopolitical challenges. 

Examples of how alumni can support University research initiatives were shared, including funding for specific pioneering research and start-ups (with reference to AI, health and climate studies), alumni presence on advisory boards, particularly with knowledge and experience in business and engineering, and alumni assistance in leveraging international connections for research and educational collaborations. 

Overall it was recognised Asia presents more complexity, and the absence of a VP International has affected the focus and activity in Asia. 

Ann Cormack

Convener ISC