RAG WEEK 2007 - RAG WEEK 2007 - RAG WEEK 2007
gair rhydd
FREE
ISSUE 854 NOVEMBER 12 2007 CARDIFF’S STUDENT WEEKLY free word - EST. 1972
INSIDE...NEWS/JOBS&MONEY/FEATURES/TAF-OD/OPINION
MOVING ON UP
Abigail Whittaker News Editor Cardiff University has broken into the top 100 of elite universities in the world. Figures published in the Times Higher Education Supplement (THES) last Thursday reveal that Cardiff has soared 42 places since last year and now takes 99th position in the rankings. As a result, it has also risen six places to take the 19th spot in the equivalent UK statistics. The breakthrough adds to the recent success of the University in many areas, including its association with Professor Sir Martin Evans of the School of Biosciences who was awarded the 2007 Nobel Prize for Medicine. The world league table, which is considered to be one of the most respected in higher education, is compiled largely on responses from a
survey of thousands of international experts who are questioned about which universities are the most respected in their field, amongst other factors. Dr David Grant, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, said: “The University’s continued rise in the THES international rankings reflects the success of all staff in pursuing our vision of being a world-leading university. “What is particularly pleasing about this study is that it is based heavily on the opinions of international academic experts in all fields, indicating high regard around the world for Cardiff University’s research, teaching and innovation.” Securing a place in the top 100, the University’s highest ever position, comes after a year of high achievement with some 37,000 applications for undergraduate degree schemes maintaining Cardiff’s popularity as the eighth most sought-after UK university
to study at. The last year has also seen a record level of new research funding with awards totalling in excess of £110 million. Emphasis has also been put on investment in teaching and research facilities; £21 million was spent on a new School of Optometry. Dr Grant continued: “This rating is further confirmation that in Cardiff University, Wales has an internationally-recognised institution that it can be truly proud of.” Speaking last week, Jonny Cox, President of the Students’ Union, was keen to emphasise the achievement. He said: “The University maintains its ability to become a world leading university. To enter the top 100 is a big step in the right direction and a step closer to achieving this ambitious status. “It provides great benefits for our graduates as Cardiff University degrees
start to get recognition on the world stage,” he added. Last year 41 European universities featured in the top 100, but this year that figure has dropped to 35. 19 UK universities have secured places, with Cardiff being the only Welsh university. The top 10 of the world rankings is dominated by the US, but four UK universities have obtained places. Oxford and Cambridge share second position, and Imperial College London and University College London are fifth and ninth respectively. Emily Issacs, a final year Sociology student, was among the first to hear the news. She said: “I feel very privileged to attend Cardiff University and I am not surprised how well we have done in the rankings because it is a fantastic university.”
THIS ISSUE:
exclusive vintage fashion shoot behind the scenes at the Golden Joystick Awards red carpet interviews from the London FIlm Festival introducing Gotye
...all this and more inside
SPORT/POLITICS/SCIENCE&ENVIRONMENT/LISTINGS/TV