University of Reading to withdraw from the 1994 Group

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

The University will today announce its decision to withdraw from membership of the 1994 Group.

The University of Reading has been a long-standing member of the 1994 Group, the mission group which represents similar-scale, research- intensive universities. However, following the withdrawal of seven members in recent months and uncertainty over a clear sense of identity for the group going forward, the Vice-Chancellor, Sir David Bell has informed the 1994 Group's Board that the University is withdrawing its membership. The University of Reading will therefore not be aligning itself with any particular mission group.

The Vice-Chancellor, said; "While the 1994 Group has served us well in the past, it is important that we have the flexibility to forge our own alliances. We will now concentrate on how we make the best use of our newly acquired non-aligned status. There are certainly opportunities to establish different kinds of partnerships with a much broader group of universities. Equally, enhancing our public profile and influence is something that we will continue to do vigorously and energetically in the months ahead."

The University will be announcing the decision publicly later today. The public statement follows:

PUBLIC STATEMENT

The University of Reading has informed the 1994 Group of its intention to withdraw from membership. The University, which ranks in the world's top 1%, has decided not to align itself with any particular university ‘mission' group.

Sir David Bell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: "We have been proud to be a long-standing member of the 1994 Group. As an organisation for research-intensive universities with a strong focus on the student experience, the 1994 Group has done an effective job in influencing Government policy and promoting best practice. However, in these uncertain times in higher education, we do not wish to be tied into any particular group. Rather, we would prefer to engage in partnerships with a much broader group of universities.

"As a leading university, we are confident about our place both nationally and internationally. Here in the UK, we will remain a strong voice for diversity and breadth in the research-intensive part of the higher education sector and continue to champion an intellectually challenging and demanding experience for all students."