The University has climbed to 132nd place in the QS World University Rankings 2026, our highest position yet. Rising 18 places from last year, the result places us firmly in the top 10% of universities ranked globally. Vice-Chancellor Professor Phil Taylor says: “I extend my sincere thanks to our University community and our valued partners – your contributions have been vital to this shared success.” The rankings assess universities on research, employability, learning experience, sustainability and international outlook.

Bath researchers are part of a £2 million project to recycle wastewater into ultra-pure water. Funded by Ofwat’s Water Breakthrough Challenge, the two-year initiative will explore using waste heat and a technique called forward osmosis. In partnership with Northumbrian Water, Bath’s team will assess the technology’s potential to support greener, scalable solutions across the UK.

Thanks to the generosity of Arthur Clements CBE (1926–2016), another group of talented Mechanical Engineering students received funding for ambitious projects – from developing a robotic arm to a research trip to a refugee camp in Bangladesh.

Since 2020, the Arthur Clements Fund has supported talented students with grants of up to £2,000. Speaking of her father’s impact, Arthur’s daughter and trustee of his Will, Caroline Egleston, says: “This is exactly what my father would have wanted and what we have all worked towards. We’re so pleased to see how the money is helping to launch interesting careers.”

Alumna and donor Sharon Flood has been appointed Chair of Council, the University’s governing body responsible for setting strategic direction. Sharon brings extensive experience across the commercial, public and not-for-profit sectors, and will assume the role in November. “As an alumna, I feel a strong sense of connection to the University of Bath and want to see it thrive,” she says.

In other senior leadership updates, we welcomed Professor Manuel Barcia as Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement), Professor Marcus Munafò as Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost, and Dr Rachel Arnold as Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research).

Sunil Bharti Mittal, Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, has been awarded an honorary degree by the University for his lifelong dedication to improving lives through enterprise.

As both his son and daughter are Bath alumni, the moment was especially meaningful. He says: “I’m honoured to receive this recognition from a university renowned for its intellectual rigour and spirit of enterprise.”

This year marked the launch of our China and India Alumni Chapters – volunteer-led communities driven by passionate Bath graduates. These chapters are designed to keep the Bath spirit thriving across borders, offering alumni meaningful ways to stay connected. Members can take part in events, pursue mentorship opportunities and build connections with fellow alumni in their regions. The growth of these chapters reflects our ongoing commitment to connecting our global alumni network.

Thanks to over £100,000 raised by the alumni community and matched by the University, a new boathouse is set to transform Bath University Boat Club. The expanded facility will create space for new equipment and enable better care for the current fleet. Chair James Robinson says: “This will be transformational for our club, giving crews the facilities they need to thrive in the sport they love and supporting generations of rowers to come!”

The University of Bath and B&NES Council are partnering to redevelop Bath Quays North into a vibrant hub for enterprise, research, and wellbeing. The 2.2-hectare site will create high-value jobs and invite collaboration with partners and residents.

In 2023/24, the University contributed over £500 million to the local economy and nearly £1 billion nationally, reinforcing its role in driving economic growth.

We were proud to open the UK’s first fully recyclable 3G pitch in May. Designed to reduce environmental impact, the pitch is made from an engineered wood-particle infill instead of traditional rubber, meaning the pitch can be fully reprocessed at the end of its life rather than going to landfill. The pitch meets elite sporting standards, supports year-round use and aligns with our commitment to sustainability.