With at least 32% of the population of Bradford and surrounding areas identifying as coming from a South Asian background, it stands to reason that university Vice-Chancellor Professor Shirley Congdon would want to explore South Asia, more specifically India and Sri Lanka for herself, to understand what makes the communities tick and, more importantly, how the University of Bradford can better serve its overseas and resident students.
The twelve-day itinerary for the four-member team included visits to universities, industry partners and meeting students from North Central India (Delhi), Punjab, Gujarat and visiting other significant places, including Colombo City. The purpose of the visit was to increase the visibility and credibility of the University of Bradford within South Asia and to develop relationships with potential partners while also exploring the possibilities of research collaborations.
Professor Congdon has held the post of the University of Bradford vice-chancellor since 2019. Ten years earlier, in 2009, she was the Dean of Health Studies, the Pro Vice Chancellor for learning and teaching, and from 2015 to date, Deputy-Vice Chancellor until July 2019. Professor Congdon has dedicated an incredible 14 years of her career to the university.
If that wasn’t enough, Professor Congdon is an active member of 15 boards ranging from Bradford Education and Skills Board to the Universities UK Board. Professor Congdon is the first woman to be vice chancellor at the University of Bradford. She aims to increase brand visibility and credibility while increasing market share and regional partnerships.
During the visit, Professor Congdon was impressed by the vibrancy and ambition of the people with whom she met and interacted. “Indian students are already seen as outstanding before they come to the UK,” said Professor Congdon. “Partnership opportunities with South Asia include research into responsible and ethical business practices, circular economies, artificial intelligence and STEM subjects.”
Although the visits highlighted many areas of potential collaboration between all the countries, Professor Congdon is keen to emphasise the ‘added value’ that further education provides for a student’s career progression after graduation. She wants students to take the opportunity of further study, as it enriches them personally and gives them an improved chance of career advancement.
As part of the delegation, Professor Weerakkody, the resident Associate Dean of International and Enterprise, was particularly interested in visiting Sri Lanka to develop a research relationship with the aim of creating a student exchange program to promote understanding and introduce responsible, ethical and sustainable business practices, with the broader aim of creating a long-term circular economy to help stakeholders in Sri Lanka and the UK.
One of the University of Bradford’s key works has been that of Professor of Chemistry Steve Rimmer. Professor Rimmer has been working on developing a unique contact lens to help people suffering from fungal eye infections, which are common in some parts of India. Professor Congdon said, “There are quite a few research areas we are interested in, and the anti-fungal contact lens is one of them, which we’re hoping to develop with the help of research students in India and Sri Lanka.”
Professor Rimmer said: “We have produced a smart hydrogel which can detect two types of bacteria and fungus. This device is made from materials that are similar to those used to make contact lenses, which would be safely applied to the eye. The microorganisms get stuck to the material and can then be analysed.
“Currently, detecting which bacteria or fungus is present in an eye infection is an invasive process in which a tissue sample of the patient’s eye is taken under anaesthetic. The sample is then cultured, which can take two days, before being studied under a microscope. “
The prospects for developing such a vital breakthrough are exciting and will benefit the university and help the struggling local Sri Lankan economy.
During their tour across India and Sri Lanka Professor Congdon and her team received extensive media attention which led to local TV, Radio and print media interviews.
On her return from South Asia, Professor Congdon is eager to capitalise on the many opportunities identified to continue building relationships and increasing visibility for the University of Bradford and Bradford in general. The visit has provided a platform for the University to develop strong ties with South Asia and its universities that could have a lasting economic impact.
Professor Congdon is confident that her visit will help to create opportunities for partnerships, collaboration, research and business enterprises between India and the UK. The University of Bradford’s commitment to excellence in teaching and learning, research, knowledge exchange and equality, diversity and inclusion will be enhanced by such international collaboration.
The University of Bradford is eager to continue developing these relationships with South Asia, ultimately resulting in better access to further education opportunities and a more diverse campus population.
Professor Congdon and the delegates’ visit to South Asia marks a milestone in the long-term partnership between the University of Bradford and students and businesses in South Asia. Such partnerships are essential to the University’s mission to foster economic growth in Bradford and beyond.
With Professor Congdon’s leadership, the University is well on its way to achieving this goal through international collaboration and educational opportunities for students from both countries. It promises a brighter future for all.
We wish her and the other University delegates all the best with this ground-breaking mission.
