University news

The University of Glasgow has launched its new ten-year strategy, setting out a vision to strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading universities.

“World-Changing Glasgow – University for the World” outlines how the University will boost its world-leading research over the next decade while providing outstanding, student-centred learning.

It also lays out how the University will expand its international partnerships as it enhances innovation and enterprise, creating both economic and societal value.

Published while the University celebrates its 575th anniversary, the strategy builds on the institution's centuries old record of impact locally, nationally, and internationally.

Launching the strategy, Professor Andy Schofield, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, said:

“Glasgow 2036’ sets out a bold ambition to transform lives through ideas and action, grounded in world-leading research, teaching and innovation.

“At its heart, the strategy is about partnership with our students, our colleagues, our city, and our global community of alumni and partners.

“Together, we will shape a future that reflects our values, builds on our strengths and recognises our shared responsibility to make a positive difference.

"Everyone associated with the University is proud of all it has achieved across its 575-year history, but we want to continue to push forward the frontiers of knowledge.

“Our ten-year strategy sets out our ambition not only to remain among the world’s leading universities, but to be the best university for the world.”

Setting out its strategic intent, the University has placed particular focus on education and research through its embedded Learning and Teaching, and Research strategies, recognising these two elements are fundamental to everything it does.

The strategy underlines the strong interdependency between learning and teaching and the broader student experience of campus life. The University sees significant potential to enrich the student experience in the years ahead with a commitment to students that goes beyond the classroom.

Similarly, it identifies that research enables economic growth through mutually reinforcing partnerships with business, industry, and other sectors, and through innovation that leads to new ventures. Research and Innovation are a critical part of the University’s wider societal impact and will be a priority in the years ahead.

The University also knows it cannot achieve its purpose and ambition in isolation. The new strategy emphases the importance of developing and strengthening relationships with key partners across the world – from the City of Glasgow to business and industry, governments, alumni, donors, and universities across the world.

The strategy also recognises success will only be achieved if it creates the right conditions for its greatest asset: its people.

The strategy sets out the University’s ambition to remain one of the world’s leading research-intensive universities while increasing its impact. It presents how, between now and 2036, it will:

• Progressively strengthen the quality and impact of its research and innovation activity relative to its peers by advancing knowledge and addressing current and future societal challenges.
• Provide a sector-leading educational and student experience that inspires its students to thrive in their studies and beyond, shaping them into history makers who will change the world for the better.
• Embed a values-based culture, characterised by a shared expectation of the highest levels of individual performance, supported by the best possible environment for its people to flourish.
• Work in partnership with its local, national, and global communities to maximise the beneficial impact of its research and education on society, extending its reach and building its reputation as a World-Changing University.

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First published: 4 June 2026