The Vice-Chancellor's foreword

As the University’s outgoing Vice-Chancellor, this year’s foreword is my last in the Annual Review. The following pages illustrate the outstanding performance of colleagues this year, and I leave the University confident that its position as a world leader is secure.

As the University again scored such impressive results in the most recent Research Assessment Exercise, it is appropriate that the Review focuses on outstanding examples of the work of colleagues in very different academic fields. World-leading research on the genetic basis of autism and multiple sclerosis, and further significant contributions to the body of knowledge on the vital issue of climate changes are among the areas of excellence highlighted.

It has been a year that has again seen many colleagues receive public recognition for their inspirational achievements. In particular we profile Professor Vernon Bogdanor, recognised for a lifetime contribution to political studies. Our students too were widely recognised last year for their success in a broad range of activities. And the diversity of background and experience in Oxford’s student population is reflected here in a feature on our innovative ‘Wall of 100 Faces’ video project. The attractiveness of Oxford to students continues to grow. Undergraduate applications in 2008–9 increased by 12.5 per cent year-on-year – an increase considerably greater than that of our major peer institutions. For the first time, the University had more applications for graduate than undergraduate places.

This has also been a challenging year; one in which the world economy has faced unprecedented turmoil, whose effects are still reverberating through the world of higher education. Yet public confidence in Oxford and its future remains high. For example, we are able to report major achievements in fundraising. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors, well over £120 million was raised during the year, bringing the total of Oxford Thinking – The Campaign for the University of Oxford, begun in 2004 – to more than £770 million. There are notable success stories in each of the Campaign’s three core priority areas, students, academic posts and programmes, and buildings. We have reflected on two of the major building developments: the reopening of the Ashmolean and the Pitt Rivers Museums. Most recently, the quality of our museums, in conjunction with the libraries and archives, has been honoured by the award of the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize. This award has been given in recognition of their outstanding quality and their significant public benefit. It is the seventh time in eight awarding rounds that Oxford has been successful – a record unsurpassed by any other university.

The achievements of the Campaign are by no means the only impressive figures to report. In 2008–9 our research revenues exceeded £340 million, an increase of 19 per cent over 2007–8, and the new research grants and contracts won during the year totalled £467 million, up 21 per cent on the previous year. Oxford University Press has seen a growth in like-for-like sales by 4.8 per cent in the last year – a most creditable performance in a difficult economic climate.

On the issue of finance, these remain unpredictable times. With Government budgets under immense pressure, and economic recovery slow, we need to plan with skill and care. This outstanding and historic University does so from a position of strength and confidence. May it continue to thrive and prosper.