As I reflect on the past year, higher education remains a demanding and rapidly evolving sector with significant financial and political challenges. Yet, through it all, our colleagues have shown unwavering commitment to our students, our city, and our partners across the region. As an institution, we are evolving and building stronger connections and shaping a brighter future.
We remain a trusted partner for industry leaders and a first-choice destination for students seeking a strong foundation for high-quality, meaningful and successful careers. The University of Derby has stayed resolute in strengthening employer connections, advancing pioneering research, delivering gold-standard teaching and fostering an outstanding student experience. Above all, preparing students for employment is at the heart of everything we do, and we do it exceptionally well. Based on more than 28,000 student reviews, we are proud to be ranked 2nd for both employability and course quality in the Uni Compare Rankings 2026.
This past academic year has been pivotal in shaping our future. On Tuesday 29 July 2025, we reached a landmark moment when The Cavendish Building was officially handed over by Kier, our construction partner, ahead of its grand opening in September.
Kier’s exceptional work has transformed our vision for The Cavendish Building, which houses Derby International Business School, into reality. Located in the heart of the city, this flagship building combines bespoke design with cutting-edge resources to inspire our students and the local and global enterprises co-located within its walls. From a Google-style creativity lab and an extended reality suite to a simulated trading floor and a Harvard-style lecture theatre, these innovative spaces are designed to equip students with industry-ready skills while creating a dynamic, collaborative environment for businesses of all sizes.
The Institute of Carbonomics proudly occupies this space, strengthening our research capabilities and amplifying our impact on global societies and government policy. Adding to this momentum, entrepreneur Theo Paphitis, renowned for his commitment to supporting SMEs, has joined us as Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship. His expertise and insights will be invaluable in inspiring the next generation of business leaders.
Our investment in the Derby International Business School underscores our commitment to fostering collaboration and nurturing partnerships that will benefit our students, the region and beyond.
I would like to highlight two new strategic partnerships with Intercontinental Exchange Inc. (ICE) and McDonald’s UK & Ireland - both leaders in their sectors with shared ambitions to decarbonise their global operations and supply chains. Through our extensive research in zero carbon and carbonomics, we are uniquely positioned to provide valuable insights that will help these organisations and, in turn, the wider industry achieve greater carbon efficiencies. These partnerships, alongside our well-established partners Rolls-Royce Plc, the NHS and Toyota, mark a significant turning point in the University’s trajectory, opening doors to further knowledge exchange and opportunities to explore emerging fields that keep us at the forefront of research and global impact.
Aligning our academic offer to current and future industry needs remains paramount. In January, we launched a pioneering two-year accelerated degree in collaboration with Rolls-Royce Plc: the BSc (Hons) International Business and Artificial Intelligence. This programme responds directly to the demand for future-focused skills, equipping students with the expertise to thrive in AI-enabled businesses. We are proud to report that the programme has exceeded recruitment targets for its inaugural intake, and our first cohort is now studying in The Cavendish Building.
Our industry partnerships continue to attract interest and in February, during National Apprenticeship Week, we were honoured to welcome HRH The Princess Royal to the Nuclear Skills Academy, where she met the apprentices and experts sustaining the UK’s nuclear capabilities - a remarkable endorsement of the power of academic and industry collaboration.
As a civic University, we are proud of the significant positive impact we continue to make across the city, county and nationwide. This year, transformative initiatives such as the E-Bike community project to engage young people in art and research, our Civic Community Fund providing seed funding for projects impacting local areas and communities, and our National Saturday Club - which returned for a third year - have provided opportunities for young people to learn new skills in arts and creativity.
We also hosted our inaugural Civic Awards event to shine a spotlight on individuals who are making a meaningful difference in our community, recognising their contributions and inspiring others to become ambassadors for positive change and impact. Since 2020, our civic engagement efforts have reached over 14,600 individuals, and we are increasingly attracting international speakers and delegates to our CivicLAB™ Conferences - an extraordinary achievement and one that will continue to flourish.
Graduation remains one of the most special occasions in our calendar. It is a time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and to honour their dedication, resilience and hard work - qualities that will serve them well in the next chapter of their lives. We also take this opportunity to recognise exceptional individuals who have contributed significantly to our region through charitable and public service. This year, among our honoured guests were Willie Tucker CVO DL, former Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, and Darren Moore, former Derby County Football Club manager and player, both exemplary figures who embody commitment and service.
Our commitment to fostering strong industry relationships and delivering relevant, impactful education remains unwavering. We will continue to anticipate and adapt to the evolving landscape - whether political, economic, or social - to ensure our university not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our students and partners. I am optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead and eager to build new collaborations that will further support our students, advance innovation, deliver economic growth and increase social prosperity.
Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL
Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive
.png){kind=logo}
.jpg)
