TRANSFORMING LIVES, REGIONS AND ECONOMIES – NEW PROGRAMME REVEALS THE VITAL ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES

The positive impact that universities have on people’s lives in the UK and internationally is revealed in a new programme from ITN Productions in partnership with Universities UK (UUK).

Presented by national newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, ‘Universities: improving futures’ showcases the best of university research and industry partnerships, and highlights the importance of graduates staying in their university towns and cities to drive growth and productivity across the UK.

Demonstrating the importance and relevance of higher education in driving social mobility and the economy, the programme combines interviews and reports with sponsored editorial profiles from 15 UK universities.

Highlights include special reports from The Rt Hon Lord Blunkett, Professor of Politics in Practice, University of Sheffield as well as a UK government visit to New Delhi with Sam Gyimah MP, Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation

Professor Dame Janet Beer, President, Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said:

“We are extremely proud of the contribution universities make to society. This partnership with ITN has given us the chance to bring this contribution to life through the stories showcased. We look forward to using this content to communicate and celebrate the role universities play in transforming lives, regions and economies across the UK and around the world.”

Simon Shelley, Head of Industry News, ITN Productions, said:

“The partnership with Universities UK has been fantastic. We’re really pleased to be raising awareness of the vital role UK universities play both at home and around the world, driving economic growth and social mobility. We hope this content will stimulate debate, encourage people to exchange ideas, celebrate success stories and engage the public in the many activities of universities.”

University partners featured: University of Sunderland, Kingston University, University of Northampton, Teesside University, University of Greenwich, Ulster University, University of Gloucestershire, Novo Nordisk, Swansea University, TWI, University of Reading, University of Plymouth, Glasgow Caledonian University, King’s College London and University of Chichester.