Joint statement from St George’s, University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London

Joint statement from St George’s, University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London

25 September 2009

St George’s, University of London and Royal Holloway, University of London, will continue as two independent colleges within the University of London, after they agreed not to proceed with a planned merger. The decision was made following meetings of the respective College Councils held on the evening of Thursday 24 September.

Royal Holloway and St George’s will continue to work together closely on a number of collaborative projects, including joint provision of innovative health and social care programmes through the South West London Academic Network (SWan), established with Kingston University in 2007.

The intention to explore a merger between the two institutions was announced in October 2008 and a joint Steering Group was set up to oversee the development of a business plan with a view to merge in 2010. Discussions have continued at Council and College level, and a series of consultations and meetings have been held with staff and other stakeholders.

Professor Peter Kopelman, Principal of St George’s, University of London, said: “St George’s and Royal Holloway each have a first rate reputation for teaching, learning and research. We are very disappointed that the merger has not been possible, but remain committed to continuing our work with Royal Holloway and Kingston University on innovative and visionary projects as part of SWan.”

Professor Rob Kemp, Acting Principal of Royal Holloway, University of London, said: “We have worked collaboratively with St George's for several years in ways that have brought many benefits to our students and partners. While this outcome is disappointing to all of us at both colleges who have put in so much hard work, I am confident that we can continue to work together as strong independent colleges of the University of London.”

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For further information please contact:

Helena Clay, Senior Press Officer, St George's, University of London on 020 8266 6831 or hclay@sgul.ac.uk

Notes to editor:

•    St George’s, University of London provides education and training to a wide range of more than 3,500 medical and healthcare students on one site. As well as providing courses in medicine and biomedical sciences, the College also offers courses in midwifery, nursing, paramedic science, physiotherapy, radiography and social work in conjunction with Kingston University. St George’s is dedicated to promoting the prevention, treatment and understanding of disease through excellence in teaching, clinical practice and research. It has a high reputation for research in areas such as infection, diseases of the heart and circulation, cell signalling and epidemiology. Other areas of expertise include genetics, health and social care sciences and mental health.

•    Royal Holloway, University of London, is one of the UK’s leading teaching and research university institutions, ranked in the top 20 for research in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise. One of the larger colleges of the University of London, Royal Holloway has a strong profile across the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities.  Its 8,000 students work with internationally-renowned scholars in 18 academic departments.  Over 20% of students are postgraduates and 22% come from 130 different countries.  Renowned for its iconic Founder’s Building, Royal Holloway is situated on an extensive parkland campus in Egham, Surrey, only 40 minutes from central London.