2021 at UWL
Introduction
2021 has been, at times, another challenging year for many of us. But it has also been a year that has given us an enormous sense of pride – with an incredible amount of hard work by both university staff and students that has helped our UWL community to grow and to achieve success.
Here are a few of the standout stories of 2021.
News
UWL music graduate goes platinum
UWL graduate and music engineer Kurt Martinez celebrated major success alongside artists Aitch and AJ Tracey for their record ‘Rain’, which came out last year. The record went on to be certified platinum after pulling in hundreds of thousands of sales.
Dua Lipa dedicates Brit Award to UWL professor
After winning ‘Best Female Solo Artist’ at the Brit Awards, Dua Lipa dedicated her success to Dame Elizabeth Anionwu, a lifelong nurse, campaigner, and Emeritus Professor of Nursing at UWL who has spent her career fighting for improved treatment of and awareness around Sickle Cell disease. Anionwu has also been a key figure in highlighting the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME communities during the pandemic.
Students go Gold in first UNICEF success
UWL became the first UK university to be reaccredited with Gold standard in UNICEF’s Baby Friendly Initiative as it helps hundreds more midwifery students transform the future of infant feeding support.
Education vital in ‘levelling up’ UK inequalities post-Covid, report finds
Our new Centre for Levelling Up wasted no time in releasing a report that looked at addressing inequality across the Midlands and north of England. The report found a need to focus on providing better, local learning opportunities and to move away from talking about social mobility as we emerge from Covid-19 restrictions.
UWL looks to a new generation of biomedical experts
Ensuring the next generation of game-changing scientists are fully equipped for a future in health and medicines, UWL completed its first year of teaching for the inaugural cohort of Biomedical Science students.
Ruskin College becomes part of the UWL family
The University was incredibly proud to welcome Ruskin College Oxford, back in July, in joining the UWL group. Ruskin has offered learning opportunities to generations of students who either missed out on formal education or faced financial, personal, or social obstacles to further study.
Lecturer wins research fellowship for using AI to tackle city flooding
Dr Kourosh Behzadian was one of seven researchers awarded The Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leverhulme Trust Research Fellowship this year, as he continues to develop smart drainage systems to bring about ‘significant benefit’ to society and the economy.
UWL maintains top 40 position in influential Guardian University League Tables
UWL ranked 35th in the influential Guardian University League Table, thanks to an ‘unrelenting focus on delivering the very best student experience’.
UWL launches new record label
The new record label, launched in September, offers student musicians a unique space to release new music, as well as invaluable industry experience to UWL’s BA Music Management students who will work directly with the signed artists.
UWL leads the way on sustainability
UWL was proud to lead from the front in sustainability in 2021. Work began on a whole range of campus improvements, as part of our decarbonisation project – including the installation of solar panels and ground source heat pumps – that will see UWL save over 500 tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
We broadcast live discussions of key topics being debated at COP26, including a panel hosted by the Claude Littner Business School on sustainable finance.
And the London Geller College of Hospitality and Tourism launched a fully-sustainable food course, with its BSc (Hons) in Future Food and Culinary Management.
Fashion student wows with clothes for superstar Emeli Sandé
UWL design student Chevon Blanc is already making her mark on the fashion world after one of her very first creations was worn by Emeli Sandé in the music video for her single, ‘Family’.
Transformative Policing Institute launches in West London
Addressing a shortage of detectives and ensuring full provision of police education, UWL launched its new Institute for Policing Studies to continue its commitment to training and educating forces across London.
The wait for Graduation was finally over!
What a way to end the year! Students from the Classes of 2020 and 2021 were finally able to celebrate their achievements at in-person Graduation ceremonies. Following delays brought about by the pandemic, we were so proud to finally be able to welcome students on stage to receive their awards.
Graduating students were also treated to speeches by the recipients of honorary awards, with YouTube trailblazer Jamal Edwards discussing his journey to success and renowned QC Courtenay Griffiths delivering words of inspiration to the next generation of Law students.
Related news
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Dua Lipa dedicates Brit Award to UWL professor
Singer, Dua Lipa has dedicated her Brit Award to lifelong nurse, campaigner and UWL Professor Dame Elizabeth Anionwu as she calls for more support for frontline NHS workers.
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Ruskin College joins UWL group
Ruskin College, Oxford holds a unique place in the education system of this country.
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UWL maintains top 40 position in influential Guardian University League Tables
The University of West London has maintained its top 40 position, after ranking 35th in the influential Guardian University League Tables, thanks to an ‘unrelenting focus on delivering the very best student experience’.
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Fashion student wows with clothes for superstar Emeli Sandé
From Heathrow check-in desk to online fame, a design student and mum is already making her mark on the fashion world after one of her very first creations took centre stage in Emeli Sandé’s latest music video.
