UK universities: Universities Week

Last year saw 110 universities, 30 major organisations and 35 celebrities taking part in showcasing the work of the higher education sector. Universities Week 2011 will take place from 13-19 June 2011 and aims to build on last year’s success with a high profile national campaign, alongside a variety of local and regional activities organised by individual higher education institutions as they share research, organise events and take part in activities designed to demonstrate the extraordinary, life-changing nature of their work.

Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive of Universities UK, which is co-ordinating the Week, said: “In the media maelstrom which currently surrounds higher education, it’s easy to lose sight of the huge social, economic and cultural impact of universities.

“The idea behind this campaign is to tell some of the amazing and inspiring stories of why universities matter to the UK, and how they benefit everyone in the country. We were absolutely delighted with the positive response to the Universities Week pilot last year. We are looking to build on that success and urge universities and wider organisations to get involved with the campaign this year, to make it even bigger and better.”

Universities Week 2011 will focus on five key themes including the value universities bring to their communities, the value they bring to local businesses and how the research currently underway will benefit UK society in 20 years’ time. Support packs and toolkits of information to help universities make the most of the opportunity are available on the campaign website.

For more information and to get involved visit www.universitiesweek.org.uk or follow the campaign on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ukuniversities