New University To Create Centre Of Excellence In South And West London

Main Category: Medical Students / Training
Article Date: 03 Oct 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Two colleges of the University of London are set to merge, joining forces to become a major player in higher education and health research and education in south and west London.

St George's, University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London, have announced plans to form a single institution within the University of London.

The merger will combine the competitive excellence of the two current universities across biomedicine, science, social sciences, arts and humanities, offering a wealth of research and teaching opportunities for students and staff.

A joint approach to the delivery of support services for students and staff and the management of estates will provide flexibility beyond the scope of either of the individual partners.

The new institution will make a major academic contribution to the health of the population of South West London, working with NHS Trusts and other university partners to establish a network of excellence.

Principal of St George's, University of London, Professor Peter Kopelman, said: "This is an historic day for St George's - one which will result in countless opportunities and benefits for students and staff. The combination of two institutions with international reputations for teaching and research in science, healthcare, social sciences, arts and humanities creates a university that will become the place to work and study in London. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and support shown by staff, students and the local NHS colleagues for the new university."

Commenting on the St George's announcement, Professor Stephen Hill, Principal of Royal Holloway said: "I am delighted that the Council of St George's wants to discuss a merger with Royal Holloway. Our own Council will consider the recommendation on 17 October. We have worked collaboratively with St George's and Kingston University for several years in the South West London Academic Network. Merger presents exciting opportunities for Royal Holloway and St George's, both of whom bring great strengths in teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines. The combination and development of our strengths will create a new and internationally-recognised centre of excellence for pre-clinical, clinical and health sciences education, training and research. We hope to continue working closely with Kingston. I am sure that this will benefit the NHS in south west London as well as medical education."

Liz Owen, President of the Students' Union at Royal Holloway added: "We embrace the opportunity to work alongside our counterparts at St George's to create shared facilities, an improved support network and student activities that will enhance the student experience and are that of mutual benefit to our students from both sites in the months and years to come."

St George's Students' Union President, Jack Sugrue, said:
"The Students' Union is fully supportive of the proposed partnership with Royal Holloway, University of London, one which is in the best interests of St George's, and its students. We have worked alongside staff in making this decision, and will continue to do so as the partnership takes shape."

Chief Executive of St George's Hospital NHS Trust David Astley said:
"The close relationship between St George's Hospital and St George's, University of London brings together excellence in academia, research and clinical care. The merger with Royal Holloway will further strengthen this position for the benefit of patients and the public."

St George's, University of London