Ambition 2027
Areas of focus
Our ambitions are to:
- be an employer of choice;
- be a partner of choice;
- create the UK’s applied research powerhouse;
- create distinctive Cranfield learners.
These areas of focus don’t stand alone. They are all connected and success will only happen when we work collaboratively to deliver all four. We know we are stronger when we work across our boundaries.
Partner of choice
Our ambition is for Cranfield to be at the heart of a national and international collaborative network, in which all partners mutually benefit.
We will become the partner of choice for all our stakeholders:
- academic institutions,
- industry,
- policy makers,
- charities,
- funders and regional bodies.
Our area of focus explained
“Being a partner of choice is about being in the forefront of people's minds when they look to partner with universities, whether in education, research, thought leadership or training.”
Professor Simon Pollard OBE FREng, Pro-Vice-Chancellor – International
Related Super KPIs ▼
Partnership and collaboration
achieve 25% increase in our 2021/22 baseline position before inflation by 2027.
Indicator: Median of our annual invoiced income of our top 50 partners. (i.e. number 25th)
Reputation
- achieve a 25% improvement across our main four QS subject rankings by 2027.
- Maintain and increase key accreditations.
Indicator: QS World University Subject Rankings.
Sustainability
achieve a 25% improvement in our base position by 2027.
Indicator: Times Higher Impact Rankings.
We will be participating in this ranking in autumn 2022.
We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mission to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030. Unless all partners work together towards the SDGs, they cannot be achieved.
Through our global partnerships and our internationalisation strategy, we are taking forward initiatives that support SDG 17, partnerships for the goals. This includes collaboration with other countries, promoting best practices and publishing our data in relation to all SDGs.
Related links ▼
Employer of choice
Our ambition is to be an organisation that people want to work for, with an inclusive culture where everyone can flourish and contribute towards our success.
We want colleagues to feel part of a diverse, skilled and ambitious community who are empowered and engaged.
We will provide a collaborative, supportive and safe working environment, one which prioritises the wellbeing of our colleagues.
Our area of focus explained
“My career goal was to become Head of Diversity and Inclusion, so it was a great achievement, especially as I work flexibly to juggle my career and caring responsibilities. I want to inspire other people and show that with good organisation, it is possible to balance both.”
Hiran Odedra, Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Related Super KPIs ▼
People
by 2027, 90% of staff say they 'are proud to work at Cranfield', from a baseline of 82%.
Indicator: Pulse staff survey.
Financial growth
by 2027, achieve an annual operating surplus of 7.5% of income.
Indicator: Operating surplus.
Sustainability
achieve a 25% improvement in our base position by 2027.
Indicator: Times Higher Impact Rankings.
We will be participating in this ranking in autumn 2022.
We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mission to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030.
By aiming to be an employer of choice and implementing our people strategy, we are directly addressing SDG 8, decent work and economic growth.
We are doing this by ensuring good employment practices, focusing on increasing our talent pool, progressing our equality, diversity and inclusion agenda, and aiming for continuous improvement in our pay gaps.
Related links ▼
Distinctive Cranfield learners
Our ambition is that all our Cranfield learners are renowned and valued for their distinctive skills and capabilities.
The Cranfield learning experience is unique and represents a life-changing journey for our students.
Our close connection with industry and business means that our learning approaches are based on the real-world problems that need to be solved and deliver skills that are practical and immediately actionable.
Our learners are specialists, leaders, independent thinkers, and ready to tackle the contemporary challenges faced by industry, commerce and wider society.
They stand out from the crowd and emerge from their education career-ready.
Our area of focus explained
“I have been able to get my business off the ground, supported by the Bettany Centre, Cranfield’s business incubation facilities and other staff at the University. I met my fellow co‑founders at Cranfield and had a fantastic year doing the MBA. The ability to speak to alumni, faculty and other colleagues while developing the business has been instrumental in not only getting our business funded but in opening doors for business partnerships and supplier relationships.”
Daniel Bedi, CEO and Co-founder, Fan Insight Professionals, (MBA 2017)
Related Super KPIs ▼
Student outcomes
achieve a 25% improvement on our base position. This base will be confirmed by OfS following their current consultation.
Indicator: Office for Students (OfS) Student Outcomes proposed measure of career progression.
Reputation
- achieve a 25% improvement across our main four QS subject rankings by 2027.
- Maintain and increase key accreditations.
Indicator: QS World University Subject Rankings.
Sustainability
achieve a 25% improvement in our base position by 2027.
Indicator: Times Higher Impact Rankings.
We will be participating in this ranking in autumn 2022.
“We take our student development very seriously. In addition to polishing their academic rigour, we help them become responsible and collaborative team players. It is the extra mile that we go which allows us to help shape the industry leaders of tomorrow.”
Dr Imran Zawwar, Regional Director - Executive Development
We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mission to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030.
The majority of our courses deliver content that addresses the SDGs.
Related links ▼
Applied research powerhouse
Our ambition is that we will be recognised globally as the UK’s applied research powerhouse, and as a leader of sustainable innovation.
From an idea through to real-world impact, our research in science, engineering, technology and management is transformative.
Our entrepreneurial spirit and innovation ecosystem drives our distinctive approach to working with our partners.
Our postgraduate research students are at the heart of our creativity. They are renowned for their ability to translate theoretical and practical knowledge into useful application.
Our area of focus explained
“I think the most important thing is that I know the research I’m doing is needed by industry. A lot of the time with a research project you’re solving a theoretical question, but we all know that our research is going to be used in industry once we’ve finished.”
Jessica Taylor, current student, Energy and Power EngD, (Offshore and Ocean Technology MSc 2016)
Related Super KPIs ▼
Research and innovation
by 2027, 45% of our publications are world-leading from a baseline of 20%.
Indicator: Annual Excellence in Scholarship review programme.
Sustainability
achieve a 25% improvement in our base position by 2027.
Indicator: Times Higher Impact Rankings
We will be participating in this ranking in autumn 2022.
Financial growth
by 2027, achieve an annual operating surplus of 7.5% of income.
Indicator: Operating surplus.
“We're currently working on a project for hernia repairs, as the glues that are being used are not lasting well. We have developed a glue that enables very strong bonding to muscles, which has been a breakthrough. It's an international problem to solve and we are there, at the forefront taking it forward.”
Professor Krzysztof Koziol, Professor of Composites Engineering
We are committed to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) mission to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all people and the world by 2030.
Our research and innovation addresses many of the SDGs, with sustainability running as a thread throughout our sector-facing themes.
Related links ▼
© Cranfield University 2022