Climate change represents one of the defining challenges of our time. As Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, I am proud that we play a world-leading role in studying and finding solutions to this global problem.
We have been at the forefront of research into climate for decades, and have been educating students in key subjects – such as meteorology and environmental sciences – for many years. We have extended our commitment, aiming to make our operations as sustainable as possible. And we have partnered with others to transform climate education in schools across the country.
Now we’re taking the next step, to support thousands of new high-achieving undergraduate students to become the green leaders of the future: a £34 million investment in a new scholarship scheme, the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship programme.
This ambitious programme – one of the largest schemes of its kind launched by a UK university – will sign up 400 talented new undergraduate students every year, supporting them with £6,000 each per year to support their living costs, for every year of their degree course.
This is about more than financial support. We will grow this new community each year, eventually numbering more than 1,000 sustainability scholars at Reading at any one time. By working together and with others, they will be the future leaders to drive positive environmental change across every sector of our economy and society.
What makes this programme special is the interdisciplinary approach. We’re not just looking for environmental scientists – we’re seeking passionate individuals across all disciplines, from arts to sciences, who share our vision for a sustainable future. These scholars will develop the range of thinking needed to tackle complex environmental challenges.
Our aim is that the impact of this initiative should extend beyond our campus boundaries. Our students already contribute to many local initiatives, and these scholars will boost our work with environmental initiatives and community projects, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to regional challenges.
These students could go on to join local businesses or start their own ventures, contributing to the Thames Valley’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable innovation.
We’re particularly proud that this programme emphasises inclusivity alongside excellence. Half of the scholarships for UK students this year will be reserved for those from underrepresented backgrounds, ensuring that talented undergraduates have the opportunity to shape our sustainable future, whatever their background.
This is a big investment, but we are responding to what students are telling us is important to them. For many students, sustainability is as important, or more important, than global ranking position. We think academic excellence goes hand in hand with environmental awareness. As the UK’s Sustainable University of the Year, we are already recognised for our leadership on environmental issues – and we want to grow this further.
While some political leaders seem to want to ignore environmental issues as a distraction from economic growth, I don’t believe it’s possible to think about long-term economic wellbeing without looking after the planet.
One of the advantages of being established for nearly a century is that it helps to encourage longer-term thinking. And for our undergraduate students, most of whom are just starting out in their adult lives, the future is theirs to shape.
