What's the big idea?
The UK’s higher education institutions have a tangible effect on our economy, generating almost £59bn of output every year. They are some of the largest employers in their regions, and nationally create over 600,000 jobs either directly through higher education, or via knock-on effects.
To highlight the essential role that universities play in sustaining our society, culture and economy, over 100 universities and linked organisations are opening their doors to the public to explore what their students, researchers and staff are working on.
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive, Universities UK, says: “Our universities are so much more than the teaching institutions for which they are often only recognised. For the first time we’ve brought all of the country’s higher education achievements under one single banner, to highlight what else our universities have to offer on a local and national level.Universities Week 2010 (14-20 June) highlights the essential role of universities in the UK and their impact on the economy, culture, society, the environment and much more.
“We have such a strong story to tell in the UK about our world-class universities and how they make such a major contribution to so many different areas of our lives.
“Quite apart from the transformative effect of higher education on students, our universities are an integral part of society – from the training of teachers, doctors and sports professionals; to the development of future fuels, groundbreaking medicines, new technologies, or improved nutrition.”
Universities Week is running from 14-20 June 2010, throughout the UK. With other activities taking place throughout June, Universities Week is the most comprehensive festival of our universities that we’ve ever seen.
Full list of events taking place
Supporters can also find out more about the campaign by joining the Universities Week Facebook fan page
The campaign is being orchestrated by Universities UK, the representative body for all UK universities.