Friends of UEL
Friends of UEL
Introduced by Professor Amanda J. Broderick
Welcome to the inaugural bi-annual newsletter to our Friends of UEL community!
We greatly value the support and contributions of our honorary alumni, former governors and committed advocates of the University of East London and want to support you with keeping up to date with the institution’s progress and many exciting things that are taking place and planned.

This is a pivotal time for the University as we embark on the second phase of our 10-year strategic plan, Vision 2028. Our mission to prepare our graduates for the careers and opportunities of the future and to drive forward that future inclusively and sustainably, feeds into our broader purpose: to address health and economic inequalities wherever they are found. In 2024 - following a hugely successful and transformative 1st phase of Vision 2028 - we are better equipped to work towards this purpose than ever before.
Our research profile and impact are growing in key areas such as sustainability, health tech, early years development and data economies. Investment is increasing with the construction of our Stratford Health Campus and new courses in critical areas like mental health nursing. Our civic impact continues to set an example for the sector, with a new One East London Network that brings together our partner NHS Trusts, GPs, local authorities, and community groups. Focusing on driving innovation in an integrated approach for health and social care education in the community, our Health Campus will train the workforce of the future while developing and testing new models of community-based and preventative health and social care at a local level, that will have a tangible, positive impact for citizens, families, patients, health and care workers, and learners.
Since introducing Vision 2028, our transformation has been significant:
- UEL has been named The Times & The Sunday Times University of the Year 2025 for Teaching Quality
- We’ve increased 40 places to 56th nationally and 9th in London in The Guardian University Guide 2025, making UEL the highest ranked, most improved mover in the UK
- We’ve more than doubled in size – are now top quintile for financial health - and reach communities in London, across the UK and around the world with over 160 nationalities represented and over 40,000 students on-campus, online and with our global partners
- UEL is now ranked 4th in the UK in supporting the establishment of annual student start-ups (up from 97th in 2018), and joint 3rd for social enterprises
- We are now in the top third of institutions worldwide for our impact on and commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- We annually contribute over £814 million to the UK economy
- We were shortlisted for the University of the Year at the 2023 Times Higher Education Awards.
Read a full summary of our economic, environmental, and socio-cultural impact report. But we are not content with just maintaining our position and success. Instead, we are working to supercharge our impact and want to advance to realise our highly ambitious and incredibly important goals for the communities we serve. We are so proud of the work being done to break down barriers to opportunity, and would very much welcome your help to ensure that we maximise our impact - please do spread the word about the work we are doing to drive positive social change: it's time to think again about the critical role universities play in delivering a healthier, fairer and more sustainable world.
On Wednesday 5 February, we will be hosting our first annual reception for our valued Friends of UEL. The evening, hosted at London's iconic Tower Bridge, will include a sit-down dinner and drinks reception and will be a fantastic chance to come together and celebrate the achievements of our UEL community. For further details and to register your attendance.
You are always warmly welcome to visit or join us on campus for events taking place throughout the year. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at friendsofuel@uel.ac.uk to find out more about working with the University, or to share any queries or suggestions.
With very best wishes
Professor Amanda J. Broderick
BA (Hons) PhD DipM DipMRS PGCTL FRSA MBGS FCIM PFHEA
Vice-Chancellor & President
News from our University community
Accolades aplenty including for University of the Year
Six years into our Vision 2028 strategy, UEL has emerged as a leading example of educational innovation and societal transformation, earning a number of prestigious awards and plaudits over the past 12 months. These include shooting up the rankings in the Guardian University Guide 2025, to be 9th in London (with Psychology and Nursing showing especially impressive improvements), and being named The Times & The Sunday Times University of the Year 2025 for Teaching Quality. This follows a nomination for 'University of the Year' in the 2023 Times Higher Education Awards. Our Hospital and Primary Care Training Hub was also shortlisted for 'Technological or Digital Innovation', and for the 2024 Times Higher Education Awards it has just been announced that we have been shortlisted for Knowledge Exchange/Transfer Initiative of the Year, for our innovative development of Sugarcrete®️ - an ultra-low carbon bio-based material which upcycles sugarcane waste into construction products, and has been previously been shortlisted for the Earthshot Prize. UEL also took home two prizes at the inaugural London Higher Awards – Outstanding Contribution to Enhancing the Overseas Student Experience in London; and Best Research / Knowledge Exchange Collaboration in London.
UEL expands global reach with Egyptian partnership
A high-level delegation from the University of East London met with senior government and university officials in Egypt in April. The visit, led by Professor Broderick, focussed on strengthening existing relationships and exploring further areas for collaboration with leading Egyptian universities. A series of substantive measures were taken during the visit to deepen those relationships, with the delegation signing a formal agreement with Cairo University, and discussions held on further partnership possibilities in the future, fostering an environment conducive to exploring joint initiatives that can mutually benefit both institutions.
“Wellness for all” the focus of Active Campus initiative
In 2024, UEL introduced an ambitious inclusive wellness programme aimed at benefiting students, staff and the wider community. Active Campus encourages people, whatever their fitness level, to engage in a range of wellness events and activities. Events in 2023/24 included the official opening of an Active Trail by Olympic gold medallist and UEL Ambassador Christine Ohuruogu MBE. The trail is a mile-long loop running around the Docklands campus, featuring a variety of engaging spots to promote active health, wellness, and self-discovery. East London Sport also sponsored a pop-up swimming pool, offering a variety of classes including water confidence, aqua-yoga and Pilates.
Pioneering Health Campus launched
In June we launched our pioneering Health Campus in Stratford which will train the inter-professional health and social care workforce of the future and also become a hub for ground-breaking research into community health care, preventive care, and overall wellbeing.
Joining Professor Broderick at the tree-planting ceremony to mark the launch, were the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of Newham Rokhsana Fiaz OBE and leaders from our partners including the NHS, GP networks, local authorities and businesses.
Ceremonies at the University’s Stratford Campus also marked the creation of the One East London Network, a new civic collaboration which will tackle health inequalities with our partner organisations.

Sector recognition – Athena Swan & the Race Equality Charter
In May, UEL was awarded the prestigious Silver Race Equality Charter Award. A significant achievement within our community and also the wider sector, as we are only the third institution to have been credited with the accolade. We achieved the award by completing an in-depth assessment and developing a robust action plan to ensure that race equality is embedded across the institution. The award provides a framework through which universities can work to identify and reflect on barriers experienced by minority ethnic staff and students.


In June, there was more good news as we were awarded the Silver Athena Swan Institutional Award for gender equality. The Athena Swan judging panel highlighted the University’s efforts in fostering gender equality, particularly noting significant measures such as establishing a strong governance structure for EDI.
This is the third year that the University does not have a statistically significant gender pay gap.
Both awards are immensely prestigious and testament to UEL achieving its core mission to further social justice through education and to tackle structural inequalities. UEL is the only university in London to have achieved silver in both the Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter. These charters are recognitions of the on-the-ground reality of life at UEL. Our commitment to EDI is evident across university life, including in recruitment and retention practices, career development opportunities, flexible working arrangements and the establishment of supportive networks and mentorship programmes.
Groundbreaking NSS results
We were delighted and proud to announce groundbreaking results in the 2024 National Student Survey (NSS), achieving historic milestones and solidifying our position as the student-ready, careers-first university of the future. For the first time, our graduating students’ overall positivity about their experience has placed UEL in the top ten higher education institutions (HEIs) in the UK, ranking us 1st in England.
Key highlights include:
- Overall Positivity: UEL soared from 13th to 3rd place nationally out of 139 HEIs, boasting a remarkable surge in overall graduating students’ student positivity.
- Teaching on my Course: Satisfaction has increased with teaching quality rising 20 places to 9th place nationally and contributing to UEL’s top spot in London.
- Learning Opportunities: Satisfaction with offering learning opportunities has risen ten places to 4th nationally, and ranking first in London, reflecting UEL’s investment in state-of-the-art facilities and resources that are pivotal in supporting student success.
- Assessment and Feedback: UEL has climbed to 7th place nationally, and second against London universities, highlighting our focus on providing constructive feedback to students.
- Academic Support: UEL’s academic support services have also received positive ratings, rising five percentage points from last year and propelling the University 40 places higher nationally.

Our students are amazing. It is incredibly rewarding to receive such positivity from our graduating students, reflecting the success of our collaborative, careers-first approach to the student experience. I am so proud of what our graduates achieve and all that is possible for them in the future. Our University community is genuinely transformative: Six years into our strategic plan, Vision 2028, our community consistently demonstrates – with passion, courage and an inclusive mindset - progress in our mission to prepare our students for the careers and opportunities of the future while driving forward that future inclusively and sustainably."
Professor Amanda Broderick
Vice Chancellor and President of UEL
The NSS is an annual survey of nearly 350,000 students across the UK, managed by the Office for Students. The survey is one of the largest of its kind in the world, asking students across the UK about a range of factors, including their academic experience, teaching and assessments, and institutions’ mental wellbeing services. Some 76 per cent of UEL’s students participated in this year’s survey, which is four per cent above the national average.
UEL and Siemens win ISE Award
In July, UEL and Siemens were triumphant at this year’s prestigious Institute of Student Employers (ISE) Awards, taking home the award for ‘Outstanding University Partnership with an Employer’. The award recognises partnerships between universities and employers that enhance graduates’ skills and employability and prepare students for the workforce. Through UEL’s partnership with industry titan Siemens, we can offer students rich experiences and provide them with the confidence to successfully deliver high-level projects that will significantly build their skills and experience. This award recognises UEL and Siemens' shared commitment to preparing the next generation for a sustainable future. Through the innovative DoT [Diversity of Thought] programme, we're equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the green economy and achieve the 2030 net zero goals.
The award is a testament to UEL and Siemens’ unwavering commitment to supporting students. Through mentorship, guidance, and real-world experiences, the partnership is nurturing and inspiring the next generation of leaders to achieve success in their chosen careers.
Creative Industries Festival
Our inaugural Creative Industries Festival took place this month at our Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability. By bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders including business professionals, educators, emerging talent, and local communities, the festival aims to ignite conversations, cultivate partnerships, and spark innovation.

Graduation ceremonies
UEL was proud to see its class of 2024 graduate this month. The excitement was palpable at six graduation ceremonies held at our Docklands campus, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for all involved.

British Science Festival
The University of East London made 2024 its Year of Science, with a series of events recognising the role of science in creating a greener, fairer, and healthier world. The festivities culminated this month with the University’s hosting of the British Science Festival, the oldest event of its kind in Europe.
UEL is the first London university to host the festival, produced by the British Science Association, in over 20 years. From 11 to 15 September, the festival celebrated the people, stories, and ideas at the heart of science, with free events including lectures, immersive experiences, and interactive workshops – some of which showcased the pioneering work of UEL academics. Other highlights of the Year of Science included the inaugural Sustainable Cities Festival, held in April, and the launch of a new podcast, Science Out East, which is showcasing inclusive science in east London.
In hosting the festival, UEL has aimed to redefine traditional ideas of what constitutes ‘science’ and enhance engagement with science and our communities, particularly those traditionally underrepresented. At the opening ceremony, UEL Vice-Chancellor and President Amanda Broderick announced that next year UEL will be turning its attention to another vital area, and launching a Year of Health, which will offer a platform to deepen our understanding of how health and wellbeing intersect with education, policy, and technology. Keep an eye out for more information soon!

Opportunities
Creative Industry Fellowship Scheme
The Creative Industry Fellowship Scheme at the School of Arts and Creative Industries (ACI) is aimed at creative industry professionals drawn from the commercial, public and third sectors. The purpose of the scheme is to foster the exchange of knowledge, stimulate longer-term collaborations and help with the career and enterprise development of UEL students.
The Scheme follows the success of UEL's Industry & Law Fellowship established in 2022, and the UEL Health Fellowship launched in June this year.
If you are interested in learning more please contact Alison Lowe, Director of Careers and Enterprise in the ACI School, at A.Lowe2@uel.ac.uk.
Spotlight on our incredible students
Farhad Hussain
In completing the New Beginnings programme, Farhad has won the Festival of Learning Patron’s Award for his remarkable resilience and was personally selected by Learning and Work Institute’s patron, the Princess Royal.
About the award, the Princess Royal said,

I hope Farhad’s exceptional story will help inspire the next cohort of adult learners. Congratulations on your achievement."
Princess Royal
In addition to winning such a prestigious award, Farhad has achieved top marks in his first year of studies and has successfully started an internship with Barclays, one of UEL's key industry partners.